Sugar farmers march to HQ to demand transformation

HUNDREDS of black farmers, under the banner of the South African Farmers Development Association (Safda), marched to the headquarters of the South African Sugar Association yesterday to present a list of demands.

The development association accuses Sasa of neglecting important issues that affect black farmers, like transformation in the industry, the lack of land for black farmers and the levy they are charged by the sugar association.

“We have tried in the last seven to eight months to get recognition from Sasa, but they are refusing to acknowledge us. We were told that we have small numbers, but we represent more than 20 000 farmers in the industry in the province,” said chairman Siyabonga Madlala. “White farmers control about 85% of the land while they are in the minority with only 10% of the farmers. We want total transformation.”

The march started in Flanders Drive, blocking the two lanes and preventing cars from using the road for about 30 minutes en route to the headquarters of the sugar association in Mount Edgecombe.

Advocate Bheki Mbili of the Land Claims Commission said: “We are going to look at the contents of the memorandum and see if we can help … I must stress we are not here to accept the memo on behalf of Sasa though.”

Sasa chairman Rold Lütge said: “The sugar industry’s track record openly reflects Sasa’s commitment to transformation … We understand that Safda would like to participate in the Sasa structure. But Sasa is a creature of statute. It must abide by its laws.” – Mercury Correspondent