22 December 2006
The farm killings affecting farmers, farm workers and farm dwellers is cause
for concern and cannot be left to continue being perpetuated on either group by
another. To this end the Ministry for Agriculture and Land Affairs is generally
aggrieved by these inhumane actions that have gripped our farmlands.
This week, the death of a Free State farmer, Mr Jan Greyling (67) and his
wife, Johanna (63) at their Florida farm in the province has not only affected
organised agriculture but the entire nation whose stability and peace is always
threatened by this type of thuggery. Their death comes at a time when our
Ministry is gearing itself up to cultivate good living conditions and security
of tenure for those living and working on farms.
The Ministry condemns this gruesome killing, in the best terms possible.
This also comes at the backdrop of yet other killings whereby two elderly
couples were murdered in this province in separate incidents. This type of
behaviour threatens our ambition of fostering national reconciliation and
embracing one another in a multiracial society such as ours.
Whilst still on this sombre note the Ministry wish to take this opportunity
to congratulate farmers for all the good work they have done in the course of
the year. We recognise all the valued contributions to feed the nation and
national economic growth, trusting that farmers have been able to make economic
gains in their agricultural activities. This would not have been possible
without the contributions of farm workers. The department wishes that those
less successful this year will redouble their efforts in years ahead and their
efforts be rewarded accordingly.
More than 60% of maize farmers have now ploughed the land. We hope that this
situation will further improve. There have been good rains in many parts of the
country, this should go well with all categories of farmers and we wish them
well. This is said in the recognition of the important role played by
agriculture in all sectors of farming.
During December holidays, many people mark the birth of Jesus Christ; others
mark the spirit of the season while most enjoy the opportunity the season
offers to rejoice with families and loved ones. Some have worked very hard and
need to take a well deserved break. Farmers are no exception. There are those
who cannot afford to be away from the land for very long periods. The nature of
farming is such that one must be actively involved and exercise maximum
vigilance all the time.
All farmers and landowners should take a moment and reflect on the living
conditions of farm dwellers. These include farm workers, labour tenants and
many others who live on farms. In the majority of cases these indigent people,
citizens of our country, survive under appalling conditions on the farms. One
should be very careful not to generalise, few disturbing incidents. Recently
reported incidents include the assault of a government official in the course
of official duties by a farmer in Mpumalanga, the alleged rape of a woman in
the Western Cape and the Nkuzi Report on farm evictions. The two cases that
were reported in the City Press on Sunday, 17 December 2006, one of a 95-year
old who lives like a caged animal and one of a farm worker who was beaten up
and painted with silver paint and asked to walk around in the farm naked. We
call on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to investigate these
cases.
If the reported escalation in the rate of farm evictions is indeed correct,
nation building and social cohesion are jeopardised. Both the alleged
perpetrators and victims are negatively affected. Whilst it must be
acknowledged that the living conditions of farm dwellers differ from farm to
farm, existing cases where the constitutional promise is not adhered to remains
a major concern to government.
The Ministry urges organised agriculture to appeal to their members and all
landowners to act humanely towards farm dwellers. Wishing you all a merry
Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Enquiries:
Godfrey Mdhluli
Tel: (012) 312 8438
Cell: 082 418 1823
Eddie Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 550 1445
Tel: (012) 319 6622
Issued by: Ministry for Agriculture and Land Affairs
21 December 2006
