The several years of failure to recognize the importance of the farmer
The several years of failure and almost refusal to acknowledge the much-needed role that the agricultural sector as a whole play for the country is the cause and consequence of the senseless murder of the young farmer Brendin Horner in the prime of his life, who was brutally murdered this week in the agricultural community of Paul Roux.
Free State Agriculture (FSA) took note with shock of the senseless murder of Mr Horner which is indicative of the culture that has taken hold over several years as well as the failure to condemn and effectively grasp these transgressions and speak out strongly against this.
Agricultural and civil rights organizations have been working for several years to try to address this problem effectively but the seriousness of the matter and its consequences were only realized quite recently by government when the agricultural sector literally had to scrape the chestnuts out of the fire with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The murder of Mr Horner as well as all other murders and attacks such as the attack on farm workers on 3 October 2020 in the Hennenman district which is increasing in the agricultural sector, is indicative of this cumulative consequence of the years of failure and requires actual action rather than lip service with which the agricultural sector and the country has had to be satisfied lately. The public condemnations of the murders of farmers are welcomed but the situation is going to require much more than mere condemnations to try to address this fundamental problem.
The government must take seriously the empowerment of rural areas in terms of greater capacity, logistical support (vehicles and technology) regarding policing. The establishment of effective rural policing units as set out in the Rural Security Strategy must receive priority attention and be established as quickly as possible, in order to achieve greater security. However, this unacceptable situation in the rural areas also requires that our personal safety be shifted to an even higher gear and that the movements of loved ones and workers be tightly coordinated.
Free State Agriculture continues to try to address this problem as effectively as possible and will not leave any stone unturned to address the environment in which our farmers have to operate and the challenges associated with it. The speedy arrest of those involved in the senseless murder of Mr Horner is welcomed and the persons involved in the investigation are thanked for their prompt action. FSA will continue to lobby for Government to recognize the importance of the sector for the survival of the people of the country.
Arrests made in Murder of Young farmer – Free State Agriculture bemoans the several years of failure to recognize the importance of the farmer https://t.co/nUP7Rvz9jt #Crime @vslandbou
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 4, 2020
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