The Magoebaskloof tea project in the Tzaneen area in Limpopo is set to be reopened as the Limpopo Department of Agriculture said that it had set aside R15-million for the project.

About 5,000 people lost their jobs when it was closed 10 years ago and this latest development will give those people, many living with HIV-Aids, a new lease on life.

According to department spokesperson, Kenny Mathivha, the decision to reopen follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the government and the Makgoba community.
Mathivha also said negotiations were at an advanced stage with an American-based pharmaceutical company to produce medications that will be used to treat HIV-Aids, arthritis and other diseases from tea leaves picked at the plantation.

The cleaning-up of the plantation at the former Sapekoe Tea Plantation is expected to start in the coming financial year. Mathivha said the reopening of the plantation had been delayed by disputes over land.

Reported by the Sowetan