AfriForum and Agriculture Minister involve more stakeholders in fight against farm murders
AfriForum and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) recently held a second round of deliberations regarding safety and security in farming communities. These deliberations followed on a meeting that AfriForum had with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana, on 20 March 2015. Minister Zokwana and AfriForum agreed on a five-point plan of action that should be implemented to help protect farmers as well as people living in farming communities.
During the latest deliberations, both AfriForum and the Minister agreed that the scope of this project should be escalated and that other key stakeholders need to be involved as well. Consequently, it was decided that a round table discussion would be organized by the DAFF with the purpose of involving these stakeholders, which include the various agricultural unions, the departments of police and justice and other researchers.
As initiating partner in the deliberations, the discussions will be kicked off by a presentation by AfriForum on findings from the research project regarding farm murders which the organisation has conducted over the last two years. The final report on these findings will be released in August this year.
Ernst Roets, Deputy CEO of AfriForum, said that the organisation agrees that the crisis is larger than only one organisation and that more stakeholders should be involved.
“We have actively been campaigning for the prioritising of farm murders since 2012. It is a matter of national concern. That is why it is crucial to involve other stakeholders.”
Roets added that they are grateful for Minister Zokwana and the DAFF’s accessibility regarding this issue and that they are hopeful for a better future for South Africa’s farmers.
The five-point plan of action which was agreed upon between AfriForum and Minister Zokwana is as follows:
- AfriForum and the Department will take a firm stance against individuals that contribute to the incitement of violence, or who makes irresponsible or sweeping statements that might impede on mutual recognition and respect among different communities.
- The Department has agreed to assist AfriForum in expanding its local safety initiatives to other communities, where necessary.
- AfriForum has agreed to provide the Department with full access to its research regarding farm murders. A comprehensive study has already been undertaken and the detailed report will be provided to the Minister before the end of 2015.
- AfriForum and the Department have agreed to engage in further consultations and to establish partnerships in addressing farm murders. The Department intends to involve the Department of Police as well.
- AfriForum and the Department have agreed to embark on a communications initiative to raise awareness about the safety of farmers and farm workers.
The detail regarding future deliberations will be released at a later stage.