Limpopo Provincial Government plans to resurrect Zebediela Citrus Farm

Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has described the resurrection of Zebediela Citrus Farm Estate as both an economic and emotional priority to develop the province.

This follows her visit to the Citrus Estate in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality on Wednesday 25 February 2026, to receive a comprehensive progress update on the intervention and development of the estate.

She was accompanied by the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Ms. Nakedi Sibanda- Kekana.

Established in 1917, Zebediela was once the largest citrus estate in the Southern hemisphere, covering more than 13 000ha and at its peak, the estate produced more than three million cartons of citrus annually for export markets, supplying premium fruit to Europe and positioning itself as a global benchmark in citrus production before its decline due to governance challenges and mismanagement of funds in 2003.

The visit forms part of the Limpopo Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to revitalize this historic agricultural asset and enhance its contribution to economic growth, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.

The estate’s revival is a community-driven initiative, with a master plan currently under consideration.

Once revived, a steering committee will be established to manage the estate, supported by a technical committee including representatives from the Office of the Premier, the Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and the National Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.

Dr. Ramathuba’s visit did provide insights into progress made on the implementation of the turnaround strategy, strengthening of governance, establishment of strategic partnerships and the socio-economic impact of the estate on surrounding communities.

“Zebediela Citrus Estate remains a strategic asset in our mission to drive inclusive economic growth and restore the pride of our agricultural sector. We are encouraged by the progress achieved through focused interventions and strengthened partnerships. Our commitment is to ensure that this revitalization translates into sustainable jobs, skills development and meaningful opportunities for the people of Limpopo,” Dr. Ramathuba said

The revival of the Zebediela Citrus Estate is also seen as a crucial tool for providing much needed jobs in the province and is supported by the provincial department of Agriculture.

Premier Dr. Ramathuba has assured the community members who gathered in numbers to witness the launch of the estate that things will be done differently, to keep the farm afloat, this time around and government will ensure that the farm stands as a symbol for Limpopo’s booming agriculture as she also highlighted the importance of the Zebediela Citrus Estate before it’s initial decline.

“When the success of the farm declines, it’s impact goes beyond agriculture but touches the lives of those who depend on it for survival. This farm produced doctors, engineers, teachers and nurses in the past. If you meet any professional from Zebediela and ask how they made it, they will tell you it was because of this farm.”
The revitalisation will be implemented in phases with current plans set to double production from the previously productive 1 500ha within the next few years, with full development rolled out over time.

Once fully operational, the project is expected to create more than 2 000 permanent jobs, a significant boost for a region grappling with high unemployment.

In addition to restoring citrus orchards, the partnership intends to establish a processing facility to produce orange juice and related products. This move towards value addition is expected to unlock further employment opportunities and strengthen the estate’s commercial viability.