An oversight visit to the R11.6 million Kroonstad Farmer Producer Support Unit (FPSU) has raised renewed concerns about the effectiveness of land reform and post-settlement farmer support in the Free State.
The FPSU, funded by the National Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), forms part of government initiatives aimed at supporting emerging farmers. However, findings from the recent visit point to severe infrastructure deterioration and limited operational capacity at the site.
Facility in state of disrepair
According to information presented during the oversight inspection, the facility was reported by the department to be partially operational in 2024. Progress cited at the time included the construction of a security gate and guard house.
Inspectors, however, found the guard house vandalised, with electricity cables and connections stolen, and much of the infrastructure in a state of decay.
No farming equipment or tractors were present on site, and it was indicated that such equipment was being stored on private property belonging to a departmental official.
History of land reform failures
The visit comes against the backdrop of longstanding criticism of South Africa’s land reform program. The High-Level Panel on the Assessment of Key Legislation, chaired by former President Kgalema Motlanthe, concluded in its 2017 report that land reform had largely failed due to factors including corruption, patronage, inadequate political will, unclear policy direction and insufficient post-settlement support.
Despite the findings of the panel, concerns persist about continued expenditure with limited outcomes. Between 2020 and 2025, a total of R57.1 million was spent on FPSUs and Agri-Parks in the Free State.
Party calls for reassessment
The Democratic Alliance (DA), which conducted the oversight visit, has argued that ongoing spending on underperforming FPSUs and Agri-Parks places strain on public finances and undermines food production and food security.
The party has also called for a reassessment of funding priorities, particularly in light of the economic impact of foot-and-mouth disease on farmers in the province.
The livestock sector, which plays a significant role in the Free State economy and employment, has been severely affected by outbreaks of the disease, leading to losses and business closures among farmers.
DA Free State leader Roy Jankielsohn said the party would continue to conduct oversight and scrutinise land reform projects in the province.
He contrasted the situation in the Free State with land reform outcomes in the Western Cape, where the DA governs, citing what he described as more successful agricultural support models.
