In 2022, Scatec partnered with Blue Sky and the Onseepkans Development Company (Pty) Ltd to uplift 2,500 residents of the small settlement of Onseepkans in South Africa’s Northern Cape province.
This 86 hectare raisin farm, owned by 114 locals along the Orange River, showcases significant achievements on its path to profitability:
- The business is managed by a Board of Directors representing the landowners.
- Agricultural expert Robert O’Connell oversees operations and reports to the Board.
- After the first small harvest in 2018, the farm delivered its first organic-certified harvest to RedSun Raisins in 2023/2024.
- Osk DevCo is one of only two 100% black-owned organic raisin farms in the region supplying RedSun Raisins.
- The company recently passed its fourth unqualified financial audit.
- Funding from Landbank has been secured to complete vineyard development and sustain operations until profitability in 2026.
- This initiative marks a turning point for a land-restitution effort that began in 2005.
Impact data (2023-2024 season) illustrates the project’s transformative effects.
Total Land
86 hectares
Land Value
12x increase to R43m (since 2005)
Organic Certification
23% price increase of R28K-36.5K per ton
Harvest Collected
462 tons (organic) harvest volume (2023-2024)
Harvest Income
R12.9 million (2023-2024)
Industry Performance
18,5% better production performance than top 3rd
The success in Onseepkans is due to collaborative efforts from various partners, including the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), the landowners, Robert O’Connell, Osk DevCo staff, RedSun Raisins, Scatec, Pepsico, Blue Sky and the local community.
Transforming a community project into a commercially successful farm requires adaptability. Key lessons include:
- The project’s pace aligns with the community’s readiness; completion is dictated by participant engagement.
- Securing commercial funding for community-owned businesses is challenging and demands resilience and resources.
- Rural communities possess the ingenuity to navigate complex business principles.
- Consistent funding and developer engagement are essential for lasting impact; trust and relationships are crucial.
Partnerships are vital. Stakeholders including the government, Scatec, RedSun Raisins, and local farmers are integral to Onseepkans’ story of hope. The business is now ready to expand and grow.
As the farm continues to thrive, there are exciting opportunities for expansion and diversification that can benefit an even broader base of residents in the region.
