Let me also use this opportunity to state my views on unfair criticism in the media of farmers. Much has beensaid about the conditions of farm labourers and unfair treatment and even intolerance and discrimination. Inmy experience with this region - as I am living in this region as well as other regions where I have visited - Ihave not once seen or heard of practises which could be described as unfair or which could be considered asharsh treatment or discrimination. My experience is that there is a mutual understanding, a mutual respectand a wonderful relationship established over years.
But let me add - There can be no place in any Western Cape community for those individuals and thosemavericks who have closed their hearts to the message of the New South Africa. Some of our rural andfarming communities have, in the past, seen incidents of racial intolerance and discrimination which mustnever be allowed to be repeated. In this province we are showing how coloured, black, white and IndianSouth Africans succeed best when working together to build our shared future. If there are instances wherethere are unfair treatment and discrimination then the society must deal with it. Although there remainisolated incidents of abuse and human rights violations in some of our farming communities, these are theexceptions to the rule. The reality, for the majority of our almost 11000 commercial and small-scale farmers,and their 200 000 farm workers, is that in some areas, such as ours, relations have never been healthier -more sound and more based on trust - than they are today.
It is unfair to stereotype farmers as people who treat their workers in a discriminatory manner and who aretagged and labelled as racists. In my experience farmers and labourers alike had the vision to accept thatsuccessful agriculture requires stable communities in which farmers and farm workers respect one anotheras vital partners in growth.
I for one today salute our farming community for their excellent contribution to this province and I reject withcontempt the unfair criticism and baseless accusations directed at our farmer. Where there are isolatedincidents we must deal with the rotten apples but we have an overwhelming majority of farmers who are onthe forefront of establishing good relations and the building of a new South Africa based on mutual trust andrespect.
Let me thank all the individuals who are involved in this joint venture and let me congratulate you on setting astandard for this region - and the Western Cape.
I am told that there is an Italian Proverb " Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow." This is very applicableon the purpose of this function of today and therefore I want to add to this proverb "This egg of today will provide many hens for tomorrow".
