EFF statement on ZZ2 CEO receiving an honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University

24 November 2022

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes with utter disgust the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate in Agriculture to a racist farmer, ZZ2 CEO Tommie van Zyl by the Stellenbosch University in the university's upcoming summer graduation.

Van Zyl presided over decades of humiliation and exploitation of black workers who continue to earn peanuts, while they work long hours to maximize productivity and profits for the van Zyl.

The EFF vehemently rejects any honorary degree for perpetrators of apartheid, oppression, exploitation and inequality because van Zyl contributed immensely to the violation of fundamental human rights therefore rewarding him for being a racist will reverse all the gains of democracy.

Van Zyl has been at the helm of the ZZ2 farming enterprise and fresh-produce company for more than 20 years through which the company produced tomatoes, avocados, blueberries, cherries, nuts etc but the lives of workers remain unchanged as they are still living under the poverty line. The working conditions are not conducive, workers are cramped in overcrowded and dilapidated farm houses, on the other hand there are travel restrictions imposed on them.

It is inhumane and a threat on human life to transport people at the back of a truck, but ZZ2 led by the so called global thought leader in Agriculture van Zyl doesn't see anything wrong with the practice.

ZZ2 is thriving and surviving through the sweat and blood of our African brothers and sisters who were forced to work even during COVID-19 pandemic, without any danger allowance paid to them for risking their lives.

The company is abusive not only to its workers but in general, to all the communities mainly in the Mopani district where the company diverted water sources and directed them into the farm while residents struggle to find drinking water.

We call on the Stellenbosch University to re-consider its decision to confer the honorary Doctorate to van Zyl, his legacy is tainted with injustices against black people and going ahead with the honouring him will be insult and provocation to the oppressed farm workers.

The EFF characterises van Zyl as a greedy, abusive and a racist farmer who will do anything under the sun to increase his riches and wealth at the expense of the working class. Once again we oppose and reject the honorary degree with the contempt it

deserves, if van Zyl needs a degree he must study for it!

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 24 November 2022