Tensions run high as Normandien farmers, workers voice concerns
Farm owners and workers in Normandien in Northern KZN have voiced their concerns over issues of racial tension, crime and an ongoing land debate in the region.
Farmers called on the government to provide long term
solutions during a Ministerial Imbizo on Rural Safety hosted from Police
Minister, Bheki Cele on Monday.
The visit by Cele follows the murder of farming couple, Glen and Vida Rafferty who were gunned down on their property last month.
A man's been charged with the killings.
Tensions brewed at yesterday's imbizo, when farm owners and workers laid bare their concerns.
This farmer raised questions around land reform policies.
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“Years ago, we did the 10-point plan for rural safety. What happened to that plan? Whatever happened to that plan, I cannot recall land reform was part of this strategic planning. So, if we can just look into that again, with all the relevant role-players this time,” the farmer said.
Meanwhile farm dwellers and workers, claim they are mistreated by some local farmers.
“We suffered for far too long. These farmers planted crops where our livestock usually grazes. He says we must control our livestock, but we were here first,” one farm worker said.
Another man says their basic human rights and dignity are trampled on.
"Farm owners don’t want to see development. We don’t have water or electricity. People can’t even bury their loved ones. There’s a farmer that has even dug up graves and threw the tombstones across the road."
Minister Bheki Cele says some of the experiences shared with him today were painful to hear.
He says he'll ask provincial authorities to put together a team to follow up on some of the allegations without fear or racial bias.
The minister has also asked residents to work on improving relations with each other.
