ABOUT THE PALS INITIATIVE

PALS (Partners in Agri Land Solutions) is a private sector initiative by farmers in cooperation with the community. Originally launched in 2015 in Ceres the PALS initiative has since extended nationally with several PALS enterprises implemented in other areas and PALS centres envisaged for each province and region.

The PALS framework represents a radical departure from past land-reform models and is based on sound business principles, solid legal structures, mentorship and training of emerging black farmers to become successful commercial farmers. The unique PALS framework ensures that issues of sustainability, mistrust, unequal relationships and the exit strategy is addressed.

The PALS centre operates as “one-stop shop” and facilitates enablers, implement development enterprises and coordinate and monitor all aspects pertaining to training, mentorship and sustainability of new enterprises.

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Vision

Peaceful, prosperous and inclusive rural communities with sustainable structured agricultural development.

Mission

To initiate, facilitate, coordinate and promote reform of agri land ownership, economic growth, job creation and social harmony based on the Partners in Agri Land Solutions (PALS) framework.

Values

We uphold the following values:

Integrity
Honesty
Respect
Trust
Transparency
Commitment
Accountability

The PALS framework was devised and developed with economic growth, job creation and social harmony as its central pillars. The stated goals of the initiative, which still endure, include the establishment of successful black farmers (as owners of the land), to involve the whole community in an inclusive process, to extend the initiative to other areas and agricultural related industries, to establish the PALS centre as “one-stop-shop” (local land desk) and to focus on mentorship and training programmes. The PALS initiative has rightfully been described as “a radical departure from past land reform in South Africa”.

Section 2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The PALS Centre is governed as a non-profit company (Witzenberg PALS NPC) by a board of directors, selected by the PALS Members. The Board of Directors meets regularly to provide strategic direction and good corporate governance.

Witzenberg PALS NPC is registered as a non-profit company and a public benefit organisation, in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008.