Rural crime: More than just statistics

THE Transvaal Agricultural Union (TLU SA) is concerned that the South African authorities are focusing more on crime statistics than on crime itself.

According to TLU SA’S latest statistics, 18 farm attacks and two farm murders were reported during January and February this year.

Although lower than in January and February last year when 38 farm attacks and five farm murders were reported, we must be careful not to engage only in a statistical exercise.

Behind the numbers are the realities of traumatic loss of life, threatened food security, and jeopardised job opportunities.

While there is a decrease in the number of farm attacks and murders reported in the first two months of the year, TLU SA still wants to warn the public to remain safety conscious and to prioritise rural security, as said by Gawie Lötter, TLU SA services manager.

In light of the upcoming elections, it is easy for the public to become fixated on the promises made by political parties in the hope of garnering or retaining votes. South Africa’s commercial farmers are under pressure, exacerbated by unrealistic political promises.

The challenging policy environment in which farmers must operate also does not instil the necessary confidence for foreign investments.

Core aspects, such as rural security and good infrastructure, including power supply, are declining daily and do not foster economic growth for South Africa.

The high temperatures and accompanying drought that severely affected large parts of our country during the past summer ended disastrously on many farms, with farmers losing their entire harvest.

Farms serve as the backbone of society. Farms provide essential food and contribute to the economy.

Food security is one of a country’s most important stabilisers, especially given South Africa’s unemployment and associated poverty. We cannot afford to lose our food producers.

A government that fails to realise that its greatest asset is indeed successful commercial farmers is extremely short-sighted. These farmers should be cherished, and everything possible should be done to keep them in production.

Rural security remains the responsibility of the state, but in the absence of performance, farmers play a significant role. Therefore, the entire South Africa, and especially political parties, should consider it a very high priority.

BENNIE VAN ZYL | TLU SA General Manager