The revitalisation of Zebediela Citrus Estate has received a major boost after Limpopo MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nakedi Kekana, reaffirmed that her department has set aside R30-million towards the project.
Kekana made the commitment during her department’s budget vote speech at the Limpopo Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Thursday, May 14. Her department has been allocated R1.9 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
“The revitalisation of Zebediela Citrus is in process, wherein the department is working in partnership with the Bjatladi Community Property Association and the strategic Wiphold who are present here today. This partnership came after we, as government, took the initiative to enable a conducive negotiation environment,” said Kekana.
She added that the department also assisted the estate with a pumping system and irrigation scheme.
Kekana said the investors are currently installing an electric fence around the farm while also planting white beans, which are expected to be harvested around July. The initiative has already created 52 jobs for local residents.
“We all know that Zebediela Citrus Estate is known as an orange plantation, so the reason for planting the beans was to prepare the soil for the orange plantation. As we speak, over 500 hectares of land is almost ready for orange plantation,” she said.
Kekana also confirmed that the securing of an off-take agreement with Tiger Brands to supply bean products.
