The foundation of the Western Cape Provincial Government's approach to farming communities is that farmers and farm workers are two sides of the same coin. Successful agriculture requires stable communities in which farmers and farm workers respect one another as vital partners in growth.
It is therefore of great importance that the relationship between farmers and farm workers continues to be characterised by cooperation and partnership. The Western Cape is very fortunate that, in most areas of the province, we have taken huge strides forward like the ground-breaking Code of Conduct launched in 2001 by Agri-Western Cape and its more than 8000 commercial farmers - to empower workers, eliminate the 'dop' system and assist emerging farmers. This relationship of respect has become the norm - marking a real break with the attitude of "Baas en Klaas". We will continue, though, to work relentlessly to stamp out any remaining pockets of discrimination and to build real human dignity for all families in our farming communities.
Much credit must go to the many commercial farmers and emerging farmers who are walking the extra mile with the implementation of mentorship programs and other innovative ways to transfer skills and create access to land.
From the side of the Provincial Government, our MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Minister Johan Gelderblom, has recently appointed a Manager: Farm Worker's Affairs in his Department. This manager, in addition to developing a dedicated government team, to deal with the concerns and needs of farm workers, is also in the process of assisting the Western Cape Farm Workers Association to expand its structures in all five District Municipalities. It is expected that in early 2004 a major regional conference will be held to ensure that the Association is fully up and running by the end of the next financial year.
Amongst the serious issues which must still be addressed by our Government through this new team, in cooperation with the Association, Agri-Western Cape, the National African Farmer's Union (NAFU), Ubuntu, WEKUFU and our other social partners are:
Evictions: In spite of the passing of The Extension of Security of Tenure Act there are still serious concerns about the number of evictions in parts of the province and the way in which these are sometimes carried out. A recent study by the SA Human Rights Commission notes that areas of specific concern are the right to family life, the demolition of farm worker housing, and access to housing on farms for women.
Labour relations issues: These range from the unrealistic provisions of parts of the new Minimum Wage laws (which, for instance, mandates that workers paid by the hour receive the same minimum wage for 28 hours work a week that would be paid to a worker who works a full 45 hour week), to non-compliance with legal requirements about overtime, leave, dismissals etc.
Security: In many areas of the province farm communities are served by too few police officers with not enough resources. Although crime on farms has stabilised to a degree, there is a need for more police patrols (which is one of the reasons for the plan to add 6000 new officers to the police in the province) and for greater support from communities. One of the priorities for the new government team will be to involve more farm workers in Community Policing Forums.
Health: During the recent Provincial Imbizo Focus Week one of the issues raised on a number of occasions was the need for more regular health care services in rural communities and on farms. With mobile clinics operating only on specific days in some areas there will be a focus in HealthCare 2010, our provincial health plan, to bring more primary health facilities to our rural areas.
Education: The children of farm workers in the Western Cape could be the doctors, lawyers, teachers, and leaders of tomorrow - there is no ceiling on their ambitions. To give them the best possible educational opportunities our education department has opened the new Cape Teaching Academy to train our teachers from all communities to even higher levels of skill. Issues like transport for learners and expanding the school feeding scheme are also high on the agenda for our Government's engagement with our rural communities.
Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp Cell: 083 778 9923
