The safety of farmers and farm workers has been highlighted in recent months as attacks against them have increased, many resulting in fatalities. Just last year, there were 419 attacks and 56 murders on farms. Farm safety has also been linked to food security as farms account for 10% of the population, but provide agriculture products to 45% of the country.
MPP Andricus van der Westhuizen says: “I welcome the establishment of a provincial interdepartmental committee for rural safety in an effort to provide much needed assistance in terms of safety to farms as the number of attacks and murders have escalated. Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Ivan Meyer, has formally established an this committee for rural safety which focuses on the safety of all farming communities in the province. The support government can provide to ensure the safety of farmers has become the key driving force behind the establishment of the committee.
I will be posing both written and oral questions to Minister Ivan Meyer to determine the specifics of the rural safety plan as well as what the outlook of farming may entail in the province. This will serve as insight into the role players within this committee and their roles as well as how funds will be allocated. The establishment of the interdepartmental committee comes as an advantage and a great step forward for farmers.”
A rural safety plan has further been designated in each district, and so far funds have been allocated to the Garden Route District Municipality to improve rural safety.
MPP van der Westhuizen adds: “We know that the draconian regulations of national government negatively impacted agriculture in this province. Nevertheless, the Western Cape’s agriculture priorities have been set in line with the major losses that have been brought on, not only by the drought but by the regulations which saw production in farms halted in some cases.
While the committee will serve as a mechanism it is important to note that SAPS, the judicial system, local police officers and court watches will all have an integral role in the safety of famers. As safety is not one sole entity’s responsibility, it is important that we serve as a mechanism to strengthen these relationships.
I further urge residents to co-sign the DA’s open letter to President Ramaphosa, calling on the President to apologise for erroneously stating that there are no farm murders in the country and to take urgent national action against farm attacks and murders.”
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape remains committed to rural safety in the province as well as to ensure food security within the country.
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