The Thobela Royale Proj
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs Department (DARDLEA), on February 26, conducted a Pre-Taking Legislature visit to the Thobela Royale Project.
Led by Chairperson of the Committee, Collen Sedibe, members were accompanied by DARDLEA officials and other stakeholders to assess progress and engage with beneficiaries regarding operations and needs.
The project, across 100 hectares of land, comprises of 90 hectares of arable land, eight for grazing and two for farm dwellers. Established in 2012, Thobela Royale initially focused on vegetable production, with farmers being responsible for fencing, water infrastructure, electricity and planting. After soil analysis and research into orchard farming, the land was found suitable for stone fruit production, particularly nectarines and peaches.
During early development, 11 hectares were used which has since grown to 15 hectares. Another 30 hectares are currently under production. During the 2022/ 23 financial year, DARDLEA supported the project by erecting fencing, constructing a 20-million-litre dam and providing fertilisers Additional support included erecting pump stations and water pumps for irrigation.
During the 2023/24 financial year, DARDLEA installed a sprinkler irrigation system and provided orchard trees.
The project also received significant support during September 2024 and 2025 with fruit provided after a 2019 farm fire.
Farmer Bongani Thobela said the project is fully operational and has market agreements with Woolworths SA for the supply of nectarines and peaches. The project also supplies produce to Spar and participates in supplier development programmes with Makro in Johannesburg. Local retail outlets – Shoprite and Boxer- also benefit from the project’s fresh produce.
Negotiations are underway to formalise export agreements to Canada.
This would further grow the project’s sustainability and market reach. Farm employees benefited from various DARDLEA training programmes; South African Good Agricultural Practices certification, health and safety training and integrated pest management. A stone fruit mentor also conducts monthly visits.
Thirteen permanent jobs were created with 30 seasonal workers employed during harvesting. Another, thirteen Expanded Public Works Programme participants are funded by the department.
Thobela Royale has access to electricity and water; but rising electricity costs remain a concern.
During the 2023/24 financial year, R37.17 million was allocated to develop a fruit orchard of which R26.89 million had been used thus far.
The Committee requested a detailed annual financial report to ensure transparency and effective oversight.
Several problems were identified such as theft, poor access roads, no packing facility, high electricity costs and insufficient shade netting to protect orchard trees from natural disasters.
The Committee said security and the access road must be upgraded, while DARDLEA should prioritise construction of a packing facility. Other recommendations included installation of a solar system and additional funding for shade netting; safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the project.
