The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) confirmed that a decision to find a partner for the Magwa Tea Estate was made unanimously at the full provincial executive council meeting which was held in late June.

However, it was agreed that a public announcement of the successful bidder would be delayed for a few days in order to allow the new partner, together with the Eastern Cape government, to give a clear outline of the way forward.

ECDC CEO Mcebisi Jonas says a joint announcement will include all the relevant partners, and will reflect the spirit in which negotiations had already been conducted.

“We are all very conscious that many of our stakeholders are anxious to bring to an end this part of Magwa’s history. And this has been done. The Eastern Cape Government has decided on the best way forward for the tea estate which is in the interest of all parties. However, we also have the interests of our new partners at heart and therefore are prepared to delay making the announcement until they are able to do so with us,” Jonas says.

“The future looks considerably brighter for Magwa. Our partner knows that Magwa tea was the largest producer of a high quality tea in South Africa and that it has the potential to continue to be so. It is also committed to a long-term sustainable solution for the Magwa Tea Estate and the surrounding area. It understands that the solution must ensure the long term profitability of the estate, create jobs, protect the workers’ interest in this project and empower the owners of the estate. Naturally there should be skills transfer as well,” explains Jonas.

The 2500 hectare plantation, which is 10km from Lusikisiki on the Wild Coast, was first owned by the Eastern Cape government. Ownership was later transferred to the Magwa Workers' Trust, along with a 99-year lease; of which 33 years remain.