TLU SA invites all South Africans to take part in a virtual protest march against farm attacks with a campaign launched today.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, the attacks on South Africa\u2019s farmers, their families and workers are increasing and becoming more and more brutal,\u201d says Mr Henry Geldenhuys, the chairman of TLU SA\u2019s Safety Committee and deputy-president of TLU SA. \u201cThis year we already faced 35 murders in 180 farm attacks. These are not statistics. They are people.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Africans often do not realise the scale of the impact of attacks on agriculture as a whole and ultimately, on food production.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With the virtual protest walk of 5\u00a0530km, TLU SA hopes to focus enough attention on these crimes to force the government to do more than speak empty words. Farm attacks \u2013 as a priority crime \u2013 must receive the same attention and focus other serious crimes do.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d says Mr Geldenhuys. \u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want all South Africans who are fed up with crime, to take part in this protest march.\u201d<\/p>\n