Nedbank Executive Urges Sustainable Land Reform Strategy
Cobus de Bruyn advocates for profitable farming businesses to drive long-term economic transformation in South Africa.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Agriculture
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Should agricultural transformation prioritize business profitability over land ownership distribution?
Nedbank executive Cobus de Bruyn argues that prioritising sustainable, profitable farming businesses is essential for effective land reform in South Africa. He suggests that land ownership alone cannot generate the wealth needed for economic transformation.
Why it matters
The proposal addresses the challenge of ensuring transferred land remains productive and economically viable for new farmers. De Bruyn emphasises that financial support and mentorship are critical for success in the agricultural sector.
Research from 2024 shows 19.3 million hectares of freehold farmland have been transferred since 1994, accounting for 25% of total freehold land. The government has further announced plans to transfer an additional 2.5 million hectares to farmers.
The players
Cobus de Bruyn
He serves as the head of agriculture client value propositions at Nedbank.
Cyril Ramaphosa
He is the President of South Africa who announced the target for transferring 2.5 million hectares of land.
Nedbank
A major South African financial institution that provides banking services and agricultural support to farmers.
Partners in Agricultural Land Solutions
An organisation that partners with banks to provide mentorship, market access, and technical assistance to farmers.
The details
De Bruyn calls for commercial banks to be included in government-led blended finance schemes, which would help mitigate risks for farmers lacking financial backing. Nedbank is currently partnering with Partners in Agricultural Land Solutions to provide training, market access, and guidance on securing water rights.
Timeline
1994 marked the beginning of land transfer progress in South Africa.
Research on land transfer statistics was published by Wandile Sihlobo and Johan Kirsten in 2024.
Cobus de Bruyn outlined his strategy for agricultural transformation on 30 October 2026.
Market Landscape
The push for greater inclusion in the government-led blended finance scheme marks a departure from previous strategies that often excluded commercial banks. This shift positions private lenders as central partners in ensuring the long-term success of land reform recipients.
Farmers and landowners may see shifts in how land reform projects are financed and supported by banking institutions. These changes aim to provide better access to credit and resources, potentially increasing the success rate for those entering the agricultural market.
The takeaway
Successful land reform depends on transforming land into profitable business entities rather than just focusing on land titles. Prospective farmers are encouraged to seek institutional partnerships that offer technical mentorship alongside capital support.
Further reading
For more context on the sector, visit the South Africa Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Food For Mzansi.
Live Poll
Should agricultural transformation prioritize business profitability over land ownership distribution?
