The alarming rate at which farm attacks have taken place in South Africa is a call for concern for organised agriculture across the country with food security at stake.
Mpumalanga Agriculture executive manager Robert Davel has urged community members to stand up for farmers who are under attack, threatening food security in South Africa.
‘There will be no food’
“With every farm killing, food security is put at risk, agricultural producers can no longer take sole responsibility for food security in South Africa.
“Mpumalanga Agriculture therefore urgently appeals to every consumer to take responsibility for maintaining food security in our country,” he said.
Davel was reacting to the recent farm murder that happened in Balfour, Mpumalanga and he has called on all stakeholders to join hands in fighting farm attacks.
“If our consumers want to eat tomorrow, they will have to help protect the farmer’s life today. Consumers are therefore requested to pass on all possible information, related to crime and planned crime, to local security structures,” he said.
Davel said the voice of the ordinary citizens was needed in condemning the senseless killing of farmers, who continue to produce food for the nation under a difficult economic climate.
“Together we can ensure that every citizen has a plate of food on the table tomorrow. Only if we act and work together,” he said.
ALSO READ: Farm attacks a ‘ticking bomb’ for food producers
Government is slow to act
Petrus Sitho from the PPS Stop Farm Murders organisation said the government, especially President Cyril Ramaphosa and the minister of police, needed to be held responsible for the farm murders as they were not acting on farm safety.
“We need a responsive government when it comes to farm safety, there is little that the government is doing in ensuring that the safety of farmers from all races, and the farmworkers’ lives are safe.
“We need a proactive government to deal with farm attacks across the country, enough is enough, no one is caring about farmers,” he expressed.
The Democratic Alliance shadow minister of agriculture Noko Masipa said the party was deeply concerned about the sharp rise in farm murders in South Africa.
“The DA urgently calls for the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate the link between incitement and farm attacks and demands decisive leadership from President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the crisis.
“The DA expresses our deep concern and sorrow over the escalating farm murders, which have reached alarming levels in our country,” he said.
Malema and Ramaphosa under the spotlight
He referred to the recent brutal murder of Theo Bekker in Mpumalanga and added that Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema’s incitement to “Kill the Boer” has raised serious red flags the country cannot afford to ignore.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa must unequivocally condemn these acts and demonstrate decisive leadership in addressing this crisis. The safety and security of our citizens, regardless of their background, must be at the forefront of our national agenda.
“We have consistently advocated for the implementation of proper rural safety units and reservists, recognising the unique challenges faced by our rural communities,” he said.
According to AfriForum, in the month of July, there were nine farm attacks and two farm murders across the country.
ALSO READ: Seven arrested for FS farm murder as attacks increase
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
