DA attacks messenger to protect farmers
The DA attacks the internationally respected Human Rights Watch (HRW) for its condemning report on the appalling abuses suffered by farmworkers on Western Cape wine and fruit farms, but ignores the real substance as is found on farms in the province.
The ANC says the hypocritical DA is merely trying to detract attention from the actual problems by casting shadows on the report and methodology.
"This doesn't help the very people who bite the bullet every day at the hand of those immoral, abusive and exploitive farmers that should be brought to book.
"The ANC acknowledge there are progressive farmers who go the extra mile for their workers, but there are indications that the problem is much bigger than what the DA portrays.
"Ironically the DA tries to detract attention from the HRW report, while an independent report in less than ten days apart by BAWSI (Black Association for the Agricultural Sector) on 65 farms in the Western Cape province also comes to the same conclusions. It follows other reports, like that of the Department of Labour which found only a third of farmers comply to legislation.
"The DA is out of touch with the reality on farms and also the growing documentary evidence that there is an underlying problem existing that must be addressed in a responsible and continuous manner. It is by denying this and calling for more evidence the DA demonstrates that it is not even in touch with the numbers of farmers sentenced in courts for human rights abuses on farmworkers (including murder), which also shows there is something seriously wrong on farms and that it occurs more frequently that what the DA government in the province concedes," says Mr Marius Fransman, Western Cape ANC leader.
The ANC has repeatedly raised the plight of the vulnerable and poor in the province who are prone to abuse and exploitation. They are isolated, restricted from enjoying human rights and decent quality of life. Indications are human rights abuse or harassment of farmworkers is more prevalent than what is suggested by those with vested interest in the industry.
It is evident in a number of detailed reports that wages, access to quality basic services, housing conditions, legal rights and gender or race discrimination issues remain high on the agenda within the sector.
A history of abuse includes undue evictions, arbitrary dismissals, unfair labour practices (including child labour), assaults, rape and murder and long working hours without overtime payment.
"The DA should stop postulating as the champion of the rich. Instead it sides against those oppressed and downtrodden workers whose labour helps put food on our tables. The DA should heed the call for a better dispensation for all people living on farms," says Fransman.
Statement issued by Marius Fransman, ANC Western Cape provincial leader, August 30 2011
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