National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998)Chapter 4 : Use of ForestsPart 2 : Vesting and granting of rights to use State forests27. Leasing of State forests |
| (1) | The Minister may lease a State forest or part of it to any person if— |
| (a) | in the case of State forests other than trust forests, the Minister of Public Works agrees; |
| (b) | in the case of trust forests on land held in trust by the Ingonyama referred to in the KwaZulu Ingonyama Trust Act, 1994 (KwaZulu Act No. 3 of 1994), the authority with the necessary power in terms of that Act agrees; and |
| (c) | in the case of trust forests other than those referred to in paragraph (b), the Minister of Land Affairs agrees. |
| (2) | The lease agreement may provide for— |
| (a) | the carrying on by the lessee of any of the activities referred to in section 23(1); |
| (b) | the management, control and operation of a State forest for commercial purposes; |
| (c) | the management, control and operation of a protected area; |
| (d) | the performance by the lessee of the State's obligations to supply forest produce from that State forest; |
| (e) | the lodging by the lessee of and compliance with a sustainable forest management plan; |
| (f) | the sustainable management of natural forests, woodlands and other habitats falling within the forest let; |
| (g) | the establishment and operation of facilities for tourism and recreation; |
| (h) | the resolution of disputes by members of the panel referred to in section 45; and |
| (i) | such other matters as the parties consider appropriate. |
| (3) | The Minister must license the activities which the lessee may carry on in terms of the lease. |