BIZANA– On 07 October 2025, the Izinini Communal Property Association (CPA) proudly showcased its success highlighting how community-led forestry can transform lives with the right support backed by the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA).
The project has turned once-barren, wattle-infested land into a productive and profitable forestry operation, creating both economic and social benefits for the local community.
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) ranked Izinini as the second most successful CPA out of 1,742 in South Africa, a milestone that reflects the community’s strong leadership, sound governance and commitment to responsible management.
ECRDA played an important role in this transformation by giving guidance and training that helped the community set up strong management and financial systems. Because of this support, land that was once unused has been turned into a sustainable forestry project, bringing real economic and social benefits to local people.
The community cleared invasive wattle and replanted the land with commercially valuable tree species. Currently, 550 hectares are under cultivation, generating multi-million-rand revenue over the past five years. The project has also had a meaningful impact on local livelihoods, creating 60 permanent jobs for community members and offering a stable source of income to many families.
Furthermore beyond its economic success, the Izinini CPA has shown a strong commitment to social development. It has built two homes for struggling families and sponsored sports kits for local soccer and netball teams, promoting unity, pride and social cohesion within the community.
ECRDA emphasized that, “Financial accountability is also a priority, with the CPA contributing over R1 million annually in taxes to SARS, demonstrating that community-led initiatives can drive inclusive growth while fostering responsible citizenship.Through these initiatives, ECRDA continues to empower rural communities, generate employment and champion environmental sustainability, proving that when communities are equipped with the right tools and support, they can take ownership of their development and turn barren land into opportunity.
Furthermore, the journey of the Izinini CPA stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, dedication and support come together, creating a model for rural transformation and sustainable forestry in the Eastern Cape.
Photographs: supplied
