Property rights and safety must not be subject to political expediency

“Reckless statements and ill-considered actions around land ownership may be politically expedient but certainly do not support the vision of a prosperous South Africa,” says Agri SA President Johannes Möller. “In essence, such statements ultimately apply to general property rights, which form the basis of investment, job creation, the tax base and economic growth, thus impacting on the welfare of all,” according to Möller.

“Statements to the effect that agricultural land should be confiscated and the unqualified resumption of the restitution process do not offset this simple truth. This doesn’t mean that Agri SA opposes orderly land reform, subject to fair compensation, however, to continue with a dismally flawed restitution process effectively means that agricultural assets will be further sterilised,” says Möller.  Möller is of the opinion that policy messages are very confusing at present; the National Development Plan makes high demands on agriculture in terms of growth and job creation, while the restitution process and lack of support for new entrants to agriculture largely attest to the contrary.   “It is vital that the agricultural community and government assess this matter objectively and come up with meaningful solutions,” says Möller.

“For obvious reasons, farmers are sensitive about safety, however, this is often seen by outsiders as an excuse for inhumane behaviour towards rural communities and specifically farm workers. Visiting graves on farms is one of the aspects that is often raised and in this regard Agri SA sets compliance with the Protocol for Farm Access and/or alternative arrangements with land owners as the only prerequisite. Similarly, we would like each farm worker to have secure tenure or property rights to at least a home, but for practical reasons this cannot be the sole responsibility of the farmer, nor can farms be the only target in this regard,” says  Möller.

According to Möller, cooperation between Agri SA and the South African Police Service is on a sound footing and much progress had been made at policy level with the Rural Protection Strategy and the Reservist Policy. “There are without doubt still problems at various levels in respect of the crime situation – also in rural areas – but the fact that we are working together in seeking solutions is, however, positive,” says Möller.

“In the run-up to the election, there have also from time to time been calls from extremist groups for the occupation of land. Policy guidelines in this regard are clear, namely that those who are guilty of such actions may be promptly arrested and charged with trespassing. Producers must, therefore, in the run-up to the election be aware of what is happening on their land and, without delay, report incidents of trespassing to the police.

Agri SA recently received confirmation from a senior advocate that the guidelines made available to members, via affiliations, regarding the handling of land invasions were correct. Producers must, therefore, ensure that they are informed of the content thereof and should also communicate it with the local police,” says Möller. 

In the run up to the election, responsible behaviour is expected from all citizens, this is also an integral part of a democratic dispensation”, Möller said.

Source:  Agri SA, Directorate:  Corporate Liaison  #IFAMAFRICA