Gerrit van Rensburg opens Farm Workers Summit in Rawsonville

Gerrit van Rensburg, Western Cape MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, addressed delegates at the Western Cape Farm Workers Summit in Goudini, outside Rawsonville. He said that the Western Cape Government acknowledges the valuable role farm workers play in the province. “You are important people,” van Rensburg said.

Van Rensburg said that South Africans are tired of being divided and the time has come for different role players to work together in solving problems. He urged workers to become proactive in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural industry. “If you identify a problem, you also have a responsibility to become part of the solution,” he said.

Van Rensburg addressed the issue of farm worker housing and said, “I think it is extremely unfair that farm workers are always at the back of the line when it comes to accessing a house in town. Farm workers, who have spent a lifetime of contributing to the economy, are losing out to people who have contributed nothing to our economy. Farm workers also deserve a house with a title deed that can be transferred to their children.”

Van Rensburg said he is discussing the issue of farm worker housing with the Provincial Minister of Housing, Bonginkosi Madikizela. “Western Cape farmers are streets ahead of other sectors in the economy regarding public private partnership solutions on housing challenges.”

Enquiries:
Wouter Kriel
Tel: 021 483 4700
Cell: 079 694 3085
E-mail: wouterkriel@gmail.com

Source: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Western Cape Provincial Government

Province

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