Affiliations

Phuhlisani is a member of the Land Network National Engagement Strategy (LANDNNES). This network brings together different CSO's and individual tenure specialists working in the rural and urban land sectors. Network members make submissions on land, planning and tenure reform legislation.

Since 2017 Phuhlisani NPC has had a working relationship with the Land Portal, an international land sector NGO. We summarize our recent and current work below.
David Mayson heads up Phuhlisani's work nationally and in the Western and Northern Cape. Dr Siyabu Manona focuses on work in the Eastern Cape while contributing to national land policy and practice.

2026Progress Update

Phuhlisani NPC continues its work in land reform, rural development, and community support across South Africa

Ongoing Consultancies: Building Partnerships for Change

Our consultancy work has yielded significant outcomes this year:
  • In collaboration with the IDC, we established the Sheraton Workers' Trust, marking a step forward in worker empowerment.
  • Our partnership with ACWA Power in the Northern Cape has progressed, focusing on facilitating partnerships between black farmers and permanent workers.
  • The Land Rights Management Facility appointed us to their panel for mediation and CPA regularization projects.
  • We're contributing to national resource management by working with WWF, DFFE, and DWS to revise the Framework for Strategic Water Source Areas.
  • In Ebenhaeser, we're providing ongoing support to the CPA Committee, Trust, and company.

Funded Programmes: Fostering Community Development

Elandskloof
The Elandskloof community development project has seen several milestones:
  • Establishment of Elandskloof Community Enterprises
  • Development and adoption of land use management principles
  • Submission of water use license applications
  • Advancement in governance processes
  • Securing funding for a crèche construction project
Land Administration
Our Land Administration Project, a collaboration with LARC and the LRC, has secured R5 million in funding. This project aims to improve understanding and practices in areas with off-register land rights.
LandNNES
Phuhlisani has been appointed as the new Fiscal Host for LandNNES. This role presents opportunities to influence national and international land initiatives.

New Initiatives: Expanding Our Scope

We are also involved in several new projects this year:
  • The "Source to Sea" project with WWF focuses on sustainable water use in the Doring/Olifants river catchment.
  • The Driehoek Conservation Hub concept in the Cedarberg area aims to integrate conservation with community development.
  • Developing a comprehensive support programme for Communal Property Associations across South Africa.

Research and Knowledge Contribution

Our specialized website knowledgebase.land has compiled more than 6000 news articles across a wide range of land-related themes. Members of our team continue to contribute to academic and policy discussions.

Looking Ahead: Reflections and Future Directions

As we move forward, Phuhlisani remains committed to sustainable rural development, improved land administration, and community empowerment. We recognize the complex nature of land reform in South Africa, and we continue to refine our approaches based on our experiences.

The Inside Story

Our different focus areas are described in more detail below.

Transforming Land Governance

Phuhlisani NPC has a long history in addressing land rights management issues in both rural and urban settings. This work has included clarification of land rights in former 'coloured reserves' where rights are regulated in terms of the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act (TRANCRAA) including Ebenhaeser and Slangriver.

Strengthening Land Rights and Land Administration in South Africa

Phuhlisani NPC in partnership with the Land and Accountability Research Centre and the Legal Resources Centre is working on an innovative project to address crucial land administration deficits.

Project Objectives

  1. Investigate how land rights are understood and managed on the ground
  2. Investigate the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of off-register rights
  3. Contribute to the conceptualization of an integrated land administration system
  4. Develop partnerships and collaborations with key actors

Supporting the Elandskloof Community and CPA

The Elandskloof community have their origins in the area surrounding the Elandskloof valley near Citrusdal. After being forcibly removed in 1962, the community successfully reclaimed their land through the Land Claims Court in 1996.
[Image: Elandskloof Community Development]

Source to Sea Project

Phuhlisani has been working with WWF and the Freshwater Research Centre on developing a project called Source to Sea. It is focused on the Doring/Olifants river in the north West Coast.
[Image: Source to Sea Conservation Project]

Sheraton Textiles Employees Trust

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) appointed Phuhlisani NPC to facilitate the establishment of the Sheraton Textiles Employees Trust (STET) to receive 15% shares on behalf of the workers.

Phuhlisani's Work in the Eastern Cape

Dr Siyabu Manona heads up Phuhlisani's work in the Eastern Cape, which includes:
  • Developing a conceptual design for an economic data facility for the Eastern Cape Development Corporation
  • Studying the implications of the CASAC and Others V Ingonyama Trust case
  • Providing support to the Amadiba Crisis Committee

Knowledge Work

Knowledgebase.land

Phuhlisani provides a trusted news and resource hub for anyone with an interest in rural and urban land issues in South Africa and the subcontinent. KB.L has been operational since 2018 and now hosts more than 6000 curated articles.
▶
Knowledgebase.land Presentation Video
UKESA Webinar Recording

Recently Completed Work

Competition Commission Inquiry into Fresh Produce Markets

Phuhlisani contributed the analysis of Fresh Produce Markets in the Western Cape for the Competition Commission's inquiry into competition in these markets.

Western Cape Department of Agriculture Post Settlement Support Programme Evaluation

A detailed evaluation involving 11 researchers visiting and reviewing 86 farms that received financial support from the Department.

Area Based Planning for Land Reform

Phuhlisani conducted intensive work over a two-year period to develop an area-based plan for land reform in Matzikama Local Municipality. Visit project blog
PHUHLISANI NPC
Home About Our Work Contact Resources
© 2026PHUHLISANI NPC. All rights reserved.
Public Benefit Organisation PBO number: 9300068708