Latest news with #LandReform
The Herald Scotland
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Row over £17.6m of public cash spent on Glen Prosen sporting estate
It comes amidst continuing concerns over whether [[Scottish Government]] is investing enough millions into its own shipyard company Ferguson Marine to keep it functioning after it delivers the last of two much delayed and wildly overbudget ferries Glen Rosa. There has been criticism that after 32 months there has been no management plan for the site. Under new Land Reform legislation a failure to produce such a plan would result in a substantial fine. READ MORE: 'Justice in the dock': UN probes Scots judge-led body's 'breach' of international law Enough is enough: 50 Scots councils seek ministers summit on green energy 'wild west' 'Appalling': Hundreds of Scots evicted from council homes despite ScotGov ban The Scottish Government hoped that the legislation would provide communities with more say on decisions relating to the ownership of land. It came as concerns had been growing over the rise of the phenomenon known as Green Lairds. This new generation of landowners are accused of inflating the market and pricing out community groups in the rush to offset damaging emissions. The bill as amended which is still to be passed details a maximum £40,000 fine for failure to comply with community engagement obligations for large land holdings, which includes land management plans. Among other things, the plan is meant to set out what the long term vision is for the land and how it contributes to achieving the net-zero emissions target, including increasing or sustaining biodiversity. FLS bought the 8,700 acres of land with ten estate buildings using the Scottish Government's fund for woodland creation. When the estate, north of Kirriemuir which sits in one of the five highland glens of Angus, was bought it ceased to be run as a sporting estate having previously offered grouse-shooting, deer stalking and salmon fishing. Owner Robin Batchelor approached several potential buyers after deciding to offer it for sale. And the Scottish Government admitted that 'off-market and confidentiality arrangements imposed by the seller' meant FLS could not consult with the local community before the deal was done. Ministers said after being quizzed in September, last year - two years after the purchase - that there was an intention to set out a management plan and that the acquisition provided opportunities for landscape restoration. It was stated that there were plans to create new woodland and montane scrub, restore peatlands and rivers, improving biodiversity and ensuring resilience to climate change. They said last year that had been 20 months of preparatory work including carrying out ecological surveys to better understand the landscape and that a land management plan would eventually be produced. Edward Mountain (Image: George Munro) Among the critics is Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain who is also convener of the parliamentary net zero, energy and transport committee who says that the purchase has been "veiled in a the cloak of 'commercial confidentiality' with every attempt to winkle out the details of the purchase rebuffed". He says all that they have been told is that the justification for the purchase "was because the land was of strategic importance". He has called on ministers to present the justification that was made for the purchase of the estate so that it could be understood what 'strategic importance' was. He said: 'All we know is that the purchase is 'strategically' important, and that the monies came from the Scottish Government's fund for woodland creation. "It is unacceptable that, 32 months later, there has been no justification of the purchase. "Under the proposed new Land Reform legislation – as introduced by the [[Scottish Government]] – the fact that the estate has not yet produced a management plan would be considered unacceptable, and Forestry and Land Scotland would be subject to a substantial fine. I believe this to be fundamentally hypocritical. 'I have asked the Scottish Government to provide me with details regarding the purchase and future of Glen Prosen. I very much look forward to receiving this information, and hope that it might clarify the true intention behind the purchase of 3,500 hectares of land.' The Scottish Government said that consultation on a land management plan for all the iconic Angus glens, including Glen Prosen closed in April with the final version due to be submitted for approval in the Autumn. Ministers say it will set out plans for "extensive new native woodland creation, peatland and river restoration to help recover wildlife, lock up carbon and create landscapes that people can enjoy and benefit from". Three years ago an analysis by the Scottish Land Commission, an official body set up to reform land ownership found that the majority of Highland estates that changed hands in one year were sold in secret, and nearly half went to absentee owners rushing to buy rural land for environmental reasons. It found almost two-thirds of the deals were done in secret and half of the estates were sold to corporate bodies, investment funds or charitable trusts. Nick KempeNick Kempe, of campaign group Parkwatch Scotland has said that the purchase was initially unheralded with no news release on their plans to let people know what was going on. "It isn't a particularly special place. There are more important areas of land to buy," he said. "The Scottish Government hasn't given a justification for this. "The most important thing they could have done is reduce deer numbers and they aren't doing that. "There does not seem to be a coherent strategy. From a land perspective, it doesn't make sense. "It has been one total farce. They have no idea after all this time or sensible plans over what to do with it. "Without that, why would you buy it?" Land reform secretary Mairi Gougeon said FLS was working closely with the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants Group to look at opening more land up to new farmers – including opportunities in the Angus Glens – adding to the 4,000 hectares already provided on land it manages. Mairi Gougeon (Image: Alan Peebles) She said: "FLS acquired Glen Prosen to demonstrate how land in public ownership can help us tackle the key challenges of climate change and nature loss, whilst critically encouraging access to land and creating new jobs and opportunities. New native woodland will be created, peatland will be restored, helping to recover wildlife, reduce flood risk and create landscapes that people can enjoy and benefit from.' FLS says that its broad aims on purchasing the estate were "in line with the Scottish Government's commitment to nature recovery, climate resilience and people's health and wellbeing". They say that it forms the centre of approximately 26,000 acres of public land, giving them the opportunity "to work with other public bodies and neighbouring landowners to achieve landscape-scale habitat restoration in the Cairngorms National Park".
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: South Gauteng deeds office remains open for business
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has reassured that the South Gauteng Deeds Office remains open and fully operational, despite recent media reports claiming the facility's closure. In a statement issued on Tuesday, 1 July, the department acknowledged that while the facility is experiencing infrastructure challenges, services to the public and clients continue uninterrupted. 'The department has previously acknowledged the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues in the building, which include, sometimes, dysfunctional lifts, intermittent poor lighting, and other challenges. 'Additionally, we have indicated that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is in the process of securing a suitable building. It has been incorrectly reported by the media that services have been compromised,' the department said. The department said the area, which is currently experiencing delays, is the data capturing after registration. Despite these challenges, the department has assured that performance targets continue to be met and exceeded. 'In terms of the target of 95% of deeds and documents made available within seven days from the date of lodgements for execution, the office performance is at 97%. The office exceeded the target. 'In terms of the target of 95% of deeds delivered within 10 days from the date of registration, the office delivered 99% in 32 days. The backlog is due to the Occupational Health and Safety challenges,' the department said. To address the situation, interim alternative working arrangements have been implemented to ensure business continuity, and additional measures are underway to address the data capturing backlog. 'Members of the public and clients requiring services at the South Gauteng Deeds Office are advised to note that the office is open and operational,' the department said. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The South African
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Deputy President Paul Mashatile withstood intense interrogation
Deputy President Paul Mashatile told the National Assembly on 12 June 2025 that small-scale farmers still struggle to obtain credit due to the lack of title deeds, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo. He says the government granted R500 million and 44 000 hectares for land redistribution in the 2025–2026 fiscal year. This is in line with the numbers in the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development's 2025 budget vote. Some parliament members say progress is still slow because of bureaucratic and legal delays. Mashatile, head of the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster, says Operation Shanela has led to 13 000 arrests. The operation ran from 17 to 23 March 2025. The programme's main goal is to stop gang violence in places like the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Stats SA Q1 2025 data shows youth unemployment at 45.5 percent, further pushing gang recruitment. Security experts at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa say we can't stop crime without dealing with poverty and gaps in education. Mashatile attested to 105 municipalities' poor water supply performance. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) sends engineers to keep an eye on failing projects. Theft, leaks, and billing errors cause water losses of up to 50% in some metros, according to the DWS 2025 performance report. Outdated water infrastructure in places like Emfuleni, which has not been updated in over 40 years, has led to over R17 billion in debt owed to water boards and growing public discontent. Deputy President Paulus Mashatile warned that the United States' withdrawal from the PEPFAR would leave South Africa with an annual R8 million shortfall. He said domestic resources will secure antiretroviral (ARV) medications for the next two years. The South African National AIDS Council's (SANAC's) 'Close the Gap' campaign aimed to place 1.1 million people on antiretroviral treatment by 2025. However, groups like Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) warn that without ongoing funding, most vulnerable patients face serious risks. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Zeekoehoek development plan seeks public feedback
Mogale City, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, is developing a Precinct Plan for the Zeekoehoek area. As identified in the city's Spatial Development Framework, Zeekoehoek was earmarked as an area requiring a precinct plan. According to MCLM communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu, precincts are not necessarily formal administrative zones but rather smaller geographic areas with distinct characteristics that necessitate detailed planning and strategic interventions to guide future development. 'The Zeekoehoek Precinct Plan area is in the western reaches of the city, south of the R560. The R24 runs through its far western boundary, while the R563 forms the eastern edge. The precinct includes portions of the following farms: Zeekoehoek 509, Waterval West 510, Impala 563, and Doornbosch 508,' Mahlangu said. The municipality invites members of the public to submit their comments on the draft Zeekoehoek Precinct Plan, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future development of the area. The draft can be found on Mogale City's official website. The closing date for comments is August 22. For enquiries and further information, please send an email to or At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Trump to meet with South African president amid tensions over aid, Afrikaners, Israel: Live updates
Donald Trump will host President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa at the White House today amid ongoing tensions between the two nations since the beginning of his administration. The president has criticized South African land reform, which aims to address the injustices of apartheid, as well as the genocide court case against Israel. Trump canceled aid to the country, expelled its ambassador, and offered refuge to white minority Afrikaners based on racial discrimination claims that Pretoria says are unfounded. Ramaphosa says no matter what, the U.S. and South Africa 'are joined at the hip and we need to be talking to them.' The U.S. is South Africa's second biggest trading partner after China. At today's lunch and Oval Office meeting between the two leaders, Ramaphosa's delegation will include luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert and champion golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. Trump will be accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who has accused Ramaphosa of pursuing anti-white policies, which Ramaphosa denies. A spokesperson for Ramaphosa has dismissed speculation that there could be a shouting match similar to the clash between Trump and Ukraine 's Volodymyr Zelensky in February. Good morning Welcome to our rolling coverage of today's meeting between President Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa. Trump is set to greet his South African counterpart outside the White House at 11:30 a.m. ET this morning before a bilateral lunch in the Cabinet room. That will be followed by a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office at 12:45 p.m. Joining the South African delegation will be luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert and champion golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. Oliver O'Connell21 May 2025 14:43
