Rural safety

Rural safety is paramount for TLU SA

One farm attack is one too many. One farm murder is one too many. That is why TLU SA will continue to work hard to keep farmers safe on their farms. This is the message of TLU SA to farmers after its recent symbolic virtual walk against farm attacks and murders. The virtual, symbolic walk was done in 24 hours over 6065km for every farm attack since 1990 that has torn apart families and workers’ lives. Since 1990, 2182 farm murders have been reported and more than 6000 farm attacks. (TLU SA works strictly according to case numbers to determine statistics. The numbers have increased since the planning of the symbolic walk to 2183 murders and 6070 attacks.) “We are grateful to every person who took part in the symbolic gesture to show their solidarity with farmers. The message is clear that farmers are not alone in their struggle to stay safe on their farms,” said Mr Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA General Manager. “Our farmers appreciate the support especially in the extra challenging time where a large part of our country’s farmers is trying to harvest in extra difficult conditions. Our message to our members, farmers of South Africa and residents of the country is that we as TLU SA will not stop working on the task of keeping our country’s farmers safe and sustainable on their land.” South Africans do not always realise the massive impact that these attacks have on agriculture as a whole and ultimately food production. One of the main goals of the march was to focus enough attention on the crimes so that the government is forced to speak more than just empty words about the seriousness of the situation. 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 on its own can stop crime, 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,” said TLU SA President, Mr Henry Geldenhuys. TLU SA will also take the opportunity to send correspondence to various embassies in the country in order to once again bring the seriousness of the matter to the attention of both domestic and international parties. Issued by: TLU SA Enquiries: Mr Henry Geldenhuys, TLU SA President (083 560 1273) Mr Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA General Manager (082 466 4470)