New Opportunity: State Land Lease Available in the Western Cape

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has officially invited eligible farmers to submit applications for the lease of a prime agricultural property in the Matzikama Local Municipality, Western Cape.

This offering represents a significant opportunity for established or growing agricultural enterprises to manage a productive vineyard operation under the state’s Land Allocation Policy.

Property Profile: Vineyard Focus
The property is situated in the Olifants Rivier Settlement within the Vanrhynsdorp Registration Division. It is currently utilized as an active vineyard, making it an ideal acquisition for those with experience in viticulture.

• Total Extent: 36.0293 hectares.
• Current Land Use: 18.84 hectares planted with wine grapes; 4 hectares planted with raisin grapes.
• Additional Land: 4.8 hectares of arable fallow land.
• Location: West Coast District, Western Cape (GPS: 31^{\circ}32’47.8”S, 18^{\circ}15’09.6”E).
• Lessee Category: Category 3 (targeted at operations with an annual turnover between R1,000,000 and R10,000,000).
  Eligibility and Priority Groups
  In alignment with national land reform goals, the application process is open to South African citizens (specifically Africans, Indians, and Coloureds). Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid bar-coded ID.
  The department has noted that priority will be given to:
• Women
• Youth
• Small-scale farmers
  While not a strict requirement, 3–5 years of farming experience is considered a distinct advantage for applicants.
  Mandatory Requirements
  Success in the application process hinges on transparency and proof of capability. Key requirements include:
• Full-time Commitment: The successful applicant must be willing to reside on the farm for the duration of the lease.
• Financial and Resource Proof: Applicants must provide evidence of their own contribution or access to resources (capital, equipment, biological assets, and mechanization).
• Livestock Certification: If applicable, proof of a livestock branding certificate registered in the applicant’s name is required.
• Business Proposal: Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a comprehensive business plan and undergo a skills assessment.

Note: Government employees and politicians holding public office are strictly disqualified from applying.

How to Apply
Manual application forms are available on the department’s website (www.dlrrd.gov.za) or can be collected at the District Office in Clanwilliam.

Submission Deadline: No later than 10 April 2026 at 16:00.
Applications must be hand-delivered or couriered to:

Applications must be hand-delivered or couriered to:

• Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

• Number 9 Main Road, Criterion Building, Second Floor

• Clanwilliam, 8135

For further inquiries, prospective applicants can contact Mr. Tshepho Sijeng (083 260 8987) or Ms. Oratile Soldaat(060 439 3135).