Joint initiatives to address farm murders

The civil rights organization, AfriForum had a constructive meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana to discuss possible steps that can be taken to address the safety of farmers and other South Africans living in rural areas.

The Minister was impressed with the steps taken by AfriForum to involve local communities in safety initiatives, and with the decline in crime which has resulted from the initiatives. AfriForum appreciates the Minister’s undertaking to involve the Department to assist in the strengthening of these initiatives to look after the safety of farmers.

AfriForum expressed its concern about the fact that Afrikaners are frequently depicted as scapegoats by senior politicians. In response, Minister Zokwana stated: “Farmers have families. They are feeding the nation. They deserve a thank you, not a murder.”

Ernst Roets, Deputy CEO of AfriForum said the organisation is grateful for the Minister’s accessibility. “AfriForum believes in a double strategy. We must do what we can to involve local communities in taking care of their own safety, but we must also engage with Government to ensure that the problem is addressed from both sides.”

“At the end of the day, the test is in the numbers. We need to discuss possible solutions to the problem, engage in projects and even make policy changes if needs be, but the end goal must be to establish a decrease in farm murders. Our initiatives must be sustainable.”

AfriForum and the Department agreed on a five-point plan of action that will be implemented by the two constituencies jointly. The five steps are as follows:

1. 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.
2. The Department has agreed to assist AfriForum in expanding its local safety initiatives to other communities, where necessary.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. AfriForum and the Department have agreed to embark on a communications initiative to raise awareness about the safety of farmers and farm workers.

A follow-up meeting with the Department’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement has already been scheduled