10 November 2020
The ANC Parliamentary Caucus welcomes the majority decision by the National Assembly today, 10th November 2020, to agree to the amended motion by the ANC Chief Whip, Comrade Pemmy Majodina, to address issues faced by the farming communities in South Africa.
We note that, despite progress made since 1994 towards the overall improvement of the working and living conditions of farm workers, farm dwellers and farmers, they are still faced with persistent challenges that include crime, violence, violation of human rights, lack of adequate housing facilities and lack of access to clean running water.
We further realise that historically antagonistic relations between the farm dwellers, farm workers and farmers, have contributed to the negative growth of the agricultural sector economy and that in parts of the country, these difficult relations continue.
As Caucus, we note and acknowledge the individual and collective efforts of farm workers, farm dwellers and farmers as important contributors and key role players in our economy, as well as the role played by the farming sector and various social partners in seeking solutions to challenges faced by the farming community.
It is critical that we continuously strive to eradicate any form of divisions within the farming sector so that as a country, we unite and work together to achieve a positive impact in the agricultural sector
We also acknowledge legislative and policy progress made in terms of improving the living and working relations between the farmers, farm workers and farm dwellers since the advent of democracy in 1994, such as the Labour Relations Act, Extension of Security Tenure Act (ESTA), Unemployment Insurance Fund Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
We further acknowledge the progress made by the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in improving the living and working conditions in the farming communities and various other state agencies and departments related to investigations, and studies conducted on gross violation of human rights within the farming communities.
We also note and condemn in the strongest terms the spate of criminal attacks directed towards the farming community, putting the lives of South African citizens at risk and threatening food security in our country.
As Caucus, we reiterate that, as we stated in the 1st September 2020 debate, the scourge of crime affects the entire nation regardless of class, race, gender and geographic footprint. It is on this basis that as the ANC, we urge that the issue of farm attacks should not be an isolated issue but should be viewed and treated as a criminal act towards our compatriots.
As Caucus, we will through the relevant Portfolio Committees continuously and vigorously assess progress being made by government’s towards improving living and working conditions in the farming communities, including work done by different stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It is when we completely eradicate inequality that we will have achieved our resolve to have a united South Africa.
Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip, Hon Pemmy Majodina
Enquiries:
Nomfanelo Kota
Acting Caucus Spokesperson
067 415 1089