Farmers from across South Africa have marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, calling for urgent land reform, improved rural safety and stronger government support for the agricultural sector.
The march is being led by the Izwi Labantu Forum and has the backing of the South African Communist Party (SACP). Protesters are demanding immediate and equitable access to land, as well as production finance for black emerging farmers.
They are also calling on government to implement more effective measures to address farm murders, stock theft and broader rural criminality. In addition, the group has raised concerns about what it describes as systemic gatekeeping and double standards in government processes and engagements.
Bennie van Zyl of the Transvaal Agricultural Union said farmers are increasingly frustrated, accusing government of placing them in what he termed a “poverty trap”.
“We need title deeds and training. As far back as 1995, we proposed that new entrant farmers be given title deeds, but that was set aside in favour of a different approach,” Van Zyl said.
He stressed the importance of unity within the sector, saying anger should be directed at the right structures rather than at one another. “We cannot rewrite history,” he added.
Van Zyl said he fully supports the demands put forward by the Izwi Labantu Forum, describing them as critical to the future of farming in the country.
“These are big issues. We need to apply the right principles to give people a real opportunity to become successful farmers. That requires a new policy approach from government,” he said.
He also warned that agriculture in South Africa is under severe pressure, particularly due to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
“Without food, nothing will work,” Van Zyl said.