The brutal killing of African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (Afasa) KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Mbongeni Skhakhane has sent shockwaves through the country’s agricultural sector, reigniting urgent calls for farm safety and stronger action against violent crime.
Skhakhane was shot and killed at his place of business in Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, in what AFASA has described as a “senseless and cowardly act of violence”. Details surrounding the motive for the attack remain unclear, and police investigations are ongoing.
Afasa national leadership confirmed Skhakhane’s death in a statement, saying the organisation was “deeply shocked and outraged” by the loss of a leader who had dedicated his life to farming, rural development and the advancement of emerging farmers.
“Mr Skhakhane was not only a dedicated farmer but also a committed community builder who worked tirelessly to uplift emerging farmers and strengthen rural development in KwaZulu-Natal,” Afasa said.
A devastating loss for agriculture
Skhakhane was widely respected across the province and beyond, not only for his leadership within Afasa, but for his hands-on mentorship of new farmers and his role in strengthening farmer organisations at grassroots level.
His killing has been described as a devastating blow to the agricultural sector, where leaders and business owners increasingly operate under the shadow of violent crime.
Afasahas called on the police to ensure a swift and thorough investigation.
“We call upon the South African Police Service to leave no stone unturned in the investigation, to ensure that those responsible are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice,” the organisation said.
Farm safety under the spotlight
The murder has once again placed the issue of farm safety at the centre of national debate, particularly as the sector looks to grow, attract investment and bring new farmers into commercial agriculture.
Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo warned that violent crime poses a direct threat to the future of the sector.
“Farm safety is key to our thriving agricultural sector,” Sihlobo said. “We can’t talk about building an inclusively growing sector and attracting investments while we continue to experience such tragic crimes and pain in farming families.”
According to Sihlobo, South Africa’s agricultural sector has the potential to grow by more than 30% and create nearly one million jobs, but only if fundamental issues such as safety are addressed.
“Ensuring farm safety is vital to the participation of new farmers and sustained investment in the sector,” he said.
Municipality condemns killing
uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas also condemned the killing, describing Skhakhane as “a pillar of strength in the farming community”.
“Mr Skhakhane was more than a leader in agriculture; he was a mentor to emerging farmers and a champion for rural development across the province,” Pappas said.
He echoed Afasa’s call for justice, warning that violent crime continues to undermine local economic development.
“Farmers, business owners, and community leaders continue to live under threat simply for contributing to society and driving local economic development,” Pappas said. “Justice must not be delayed, and it must not be denied.”
Calls for action grow louder
Afasa has urged law enforcement and government at all levels to prioritise the safety of farmers, business owners and rural leaders, warning that continued violence risks hollowing out already vulnerable rural economies.
As tributes pour in from across the agricultural sector, many say Skhakhane’s death must not become just another statistic.
“We stand in solidarity with the Skhakhane family and the wider farming community,” Afasa said. “We will continue to demand justice.”
Skhakhane’s legacy, colleagues say, will be remembered in the farmers he mentored, the communities he served, and the vision of an inclusive, growing agricultural sector he worked to build — a vision now overshadowed by grief and renewed urgency for change.
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