Izinini CPA: Transforming bare land into a thriving community forestry enterprise
The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of community-based forestry enterprises across the province.
The Izinini Communal Property Association (CPA) stands out as one of the most successful examples of this support.
Recognised by the National Department of Rural Development and Land Reform as the second most successful CPA out of 1,742 CPAs in South Africa, Izinini’s remarkable success is attributed to its strengthened corporate governance and sound financial management both achieved through the continuous support and capacity-building efforts of ECRDA.
Located within the Izinini community in Bizana, this project is a living testament to ECRDA’s commitment to rural transformation and sustainable forestry development in the Eastern Cape. What was once bare, wattle-infested land has been transformed into a thriving community development forestry project, creating tangible economic and social benefits for the local community.
They cleared the invasive wattle and replanted the land with suitable, marketable tree species.
Today, approximately 550 hectares have been successfully planted, generating multi-million-rand revenue over the past five years.
The project’s growth has also stimulated job creation, with 60 people now permanently employed.
Beyond its economic success, the Izinini CPA has demonstrated exceptional social responsibility building two houses for destitute families and sponsoring sports kits for local teams, including soccer and netball.
Furthermore, Izinini CPA contributes significantly to the national economy, paying over one million rand annually in taxes to SARS, showcasing how community-driven forestry can promote sustainable livelihoods, inclusive development, and responsible citizenship.
Izinini is one of five forestry projects supported by ECRDA, collectively covering 4,360 hectares across the province.
These projects include:
• Sinawo (Joe Gqabi District)
• Izinini (Alfred Nzo District)
• Mkambathi (OR Tambo District)
• Sixhotyeni (OR Tambo District)
• Gqukunqa (Alfred Nzo District)
Through these initiatives, ECRDA aims to develop sustainable rural forestry enterprises that contribute to economic growth, job creation, increased rural incomes, and poverty alleviation, affirming the agency’s mission to drive inclusive and transformative rural development in the Eastern Cape.
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