Farm attacks and murders have a huge impact on the humanity of the farmers, their families, and workers … it changes their outlook on life.
South Africa’s farmers, their families and workers are being attacked and killed more frequently and more brutally. South Africans do not always realise the impact that these attacks have on farmers and agriculture as a whole.
For this reason, TLU SA invites all South Africans to virtually walk together on 16 and 17 June in protest against farm attacks and murders.
With the march, TLU SA hopes to focus enough attention on the crimes so that the government is forced to act. As a priority crime, farm attacks must receive the same attention and action as other serious crimes.
“We realise that no campaign or protest march can stop crime on its own, but it is important to create awareness about the problem, here and internationally. TLU SA knows that it is in the hands of the community to fight crime as the government lacks the political will to control the situation.”
The plan is to walk 6065km virtually in 24 hours. Each kilometre represents one of the farm attacks that have torn apart the lives of families and workers since 1990.
Since 1990, 2183 farm murders have been reported and more than 6000 farm attacks. (TLU SA works strictly according to case numbers to determine statistics.)
“Arriving at the scene of a farm attack or murder is something that one cannot describe in words. These are tragic scenes marked by extreme violence … you can and do not want to imagine it. To see how they fought for their lives, the torture. It’s hard to talk about. I do not care what people say, farm attacks and murders are not just another crime. There is a hatred and cruelty involved that leaves you speechless.”
According to Mr Geldenhuys farmers, their families and workers should not give up.
“I believe that there is always hope because we know where our help comes from. The Hand from Above is always there. I further draw my hope from the 10% of farmers and members of the communities who are always willing to take the extra three or five steps for safety.
“Remember, safety starts with yourself. You need to be actively involved. If that does not happen, things will not change. I believe the time for change is now.”
Mr Geldenhuys also referred to the successful role played by neighbourhood and farm guards and the positive impact.
“If you also want to support the walk and show that the safety of farmers is important to you, register and have your name appear on the list of supporters. You will receive an email with more information, but in the meantime, you can share on your social media platforms that you support the project with the hashtags: #plaaslewens #plaasstap #tlusa,” said Mr Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA General Manager.
“However, if you want to be more involved and actively show your support, here are some more options to be part of the campaign: If you do want to walk or run, in support – 6km or 6065 steps – take photos and share them with us on Facebook or Instagram with the campaign’s hashtags: #plaaslewens #plaasstap #tlusa
Date
16-17 June (07:00)
Register
Here is the link to register and be part of the hike https://stapsaam.co.za and if you want to see what the route looks like visit https://stapsaam.co.za/stap-saam/
