TLU SA invites all South Africans to take part in a virtual protest march against farm attacks with a campaign launched today.
The farmers of South Africa are of vital importance. They have the particular knowledge and expertise to farm in a marginal agriculture country to produce food for our tables. They are viewed as some of the best farmers in the world. South African farmers continue making plans; through drought, through lockdown, through attacks.
“Unfortunately, the attacks on South Africa’s farmers, their families and workers are increasing and becoming more and more brutal,” says Mr Henry Geldenhuys, the chairman of TLU SA’s Safety Committee and deputy-president of TLU SA. “This year we already faced 35 murders in 180 farm attacks. These are not statistics. They are people.
“South Africans often do not realise the scale of the impact of attacks on agriculture as a whole and ultimately, on food production.”
On 14 August TLU SA will virtually walk around South Africa in 24 hours in protest against the 5 530 farm attacks since 1990. During the same time, 2 083 persons were ripped from the lives of their families, friends and communities.
With the virtual protest walk of 5 530km, TLU SA hopes to focus enough attention on these crimes to force the government to do more than speak empty words. Farm attacks – as a priority crime – must receive the same attention and focus other serious crimes do.
“We realise that no campaign or protest march on its own can bring an end to crime, but it is important to create awareness of the problem, here and abroad,” says Mr Geldenhuys. “We know it lies in the hands of communities to combat crime as there is a lack of political will from the government to control the situation.
“We want all South Africans who are fed up with crime, to take part in this protest march.”
Anyone who wants to support the campaign can register for the virtual protest march https://www.tlu.co.za/en/march-against-farm-murders/
Issued by: TLU SA
Date: 30 July 2020
Enquiries: Mr Henry Geldenhuys, Deputy-President TLU SA, Cell.: 083 560 1273
Maj.Gen Chris van Zyl (ret), Deputy General Manager TLU SA,
Cell.: 072 716 9299
