26 January 2007
On 26 January 2007, the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs met with
agricultural unions to discuss matters affecting the sector.
The meeting deliberated on the challenge of evictions, abuse of
farm-workers; the recent incidences of farm murders, the review of the sector
plan of the last five years, the Women in Agriculture and Rural Development,
access to farm schools, water and other basic services.
The meeting noted with concern the decision by AgriSA and the Transvaal
Agricultural Union (TAU) SA not to participate in the meeting. They had
demanded to meet with the Minister alone as the two unions. As a principle, the
Minister is willing to meet with all stakeholders in the sector; that is the
reason why she called this meeting.
The meeting agreed on the fol1owing:
* The unions share the Ministry's concern about the abuse of farm-workers.
It also reiterated the minister's commitment to meet with all stakeholders,
including organised agriculture.
* The matter of accusations arising from the Minister's speech on 5 December
2006, and Christmas message, is with the South African Human Rights Commission
(SAHRC) and we have submitted our response. We will await the outcome of that
process.
* The meeting agreed that we will resuscitate a forum, which includes
organised agriculture, farm-workers, the police, Department of Labour, the
Ministry and other interested parties to resolve issues of common interest in
agriculture.
* We want this forum to deal with some of the urgent issues that are leading
to tensions in the sector.
* With regard to the disturbing developments in New Venture farm in Eshowe
which led to the killing of Mr Ken Eva, the Ministry, together with various
role players in government, is giving attention to ensure that normality
returns to the area, and a long term solution is found.
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
26 January 2007
