Giving up and losing hope must not be part of the South African farmer’s DNA.
This is the message of Mr. Henry Geldenhuys who was re-elected as President of TLU SA at the annual TLU SA Congress.
Among the most important topics addressed during the congress are the increase in crime and the uncertainty about land expropriation. The theme of the 2022 congress is “Reach for the Future”.
According to Mr Geldenhuys, these are difficult times for South Africans, but that everyone must continue to work to leave a future for posterity.
“We will have to bite the bullet, stand strong and tighten our grip. Let’s take advantage of opportunities that come our way and reach for the future.”
About crime he says: “Crime in our country is out of control. Farm attacks and killings continue to occur almost daily. This year we already had 106 attacks and 28 murders. Since 1990 until today, 6115 attacks and 2198 murders have been reported. Everyone must take responsibility for his/her own safety and together with his/her community ensure that community safety plans are implemented. Training in all its facets must take place continuously and be attended if we want to continue farming. The most recent national homicide rate shows that 71 people are murdered a day in our country. That’s one life every three hours.
“Theft of general agricultural products continues to be a big problem, also theft of infrastructure such as copper cables and fences are experienced more as it can quickly be converted into money. As far as livestock theft is concerned, we see a huge decrease because only about 20% of the incidents are reported. This means one thing; communities have lost faith in the police and the justice system. Within our security committee, a sub-committee has now been established with its own chairperson and representation from each region that will only focus on stock theft.”
Like Mr Geldenhuys, Mr Wannie Scribante was unanimously re-elected as deputy president.
The guest speaker Mr. Dawie Roodt, Economist: Efficient Wealth, spoke about “The impact of the government’s policy on the wider economy and its consequences for the farmer in South Africa”.
“It is necessary for the government to realise that land on its own has no value. The farmer must know what to do with the land and that is what matters,” says Mr Roodt about land expropriation.
The annual winners of the various challenges and competitions were announced:
- Goliat van Gat Pumpkin Competition Trophy: Wikus Lambrecht van Meyerton, 846kg;
- Kiepersol Trophy for the Farmers’ Union of the Year: Roedtan-Suid farmers’ union;
- Willie Marais Trophy for the best communication about TLU SA’s message and agriculture: De Wildt farmers union;
- TLU SA Rural Safety Trophy: Individual winner: Jaco Taute from Losberg farmers union;
- Commondale Trophy for Best Farmers’ Association: Roedtan-Suid farmers’ association;
- President’s Cup for Young Farmer involvement: Neels Uys from Suikerbos farmers’ union;
- Isaac Greenberg Cup for the Best Region: Central Region with Derick Kuün as Regional Chairman and Lynette du Plessis as Regional Manager;
- The Nico Kilian Trophy for the Agricultural Personality of the Year 2022: Wannie Scribante, TLU SA Deputy President.
- Young Farmer of the Year: Daniël Opperman from Naboomspruit.
