From the one experiment into the other one

To expect farmers to transfer 40 percent of their agricultural interest to black shareholders is outrageous and totally unacceptable.

This was the reaction of TAU SA president, Mr. Ben Marais, on the proposals in this regard made by the Minister of Agriculture, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersen (see Beeld report). "TAU, to say the least, is absolutely appalled by this announcement. We have been experiencing difficulty for some time to meet with the Minister to discuss agricultural issues. Meetings were postponed and in the last case, she did not even bother to give notice that she would not be available. Following this announcement we got the impression that she cannot meet with us eye to eye because she knows what our reaction would be on this unacceptable and ridiculous plan, "said Mr. Marais.

"The Minister wants to accuse the farmers that they are responsible for not making it possible to transfer 30% of the land to black people, because they apply the willing buyer / willing seller principle. In the meantime a demographical study for the Development Bank tabled in 2001 indicates that the state, together with black people, brown people and Asians already own more than 56% of land in South Africa.

Still more land is targeted and it seems as if this is being done in a manner which will boil town to next to nothing compensation. This was and is unacceptable to farmers.  Of course, farmers will then depend on the free market system to acquire proper compensation for their land. TAU SA suspects that the government could not find skilled black farmers to settle on the land. In terms of government's own statements approximately ninety percent of the land reform projects failed.

"Would the Minister like to see a failure of 30% of all agricultural land? Without discussing with agriculture or farmers she announces the outrageous idea that farmers must hand over forty percent of their business. Will market-related prices for the shares will be considered? Or is it the intention that the shares to be transferred will also free or next to nothing? It will be as unacceptable as unilateral expropriation, "said Mr. Marais.

"The minister has apparently stated that the farmers will have a choice to work or to stick it out. She can take note: TAU SA on behalf of its members will oppose this in the national interest, because the minister's plan is a blueprint for the destruction of food security. This experiment will be as much a failure as the last, "said Mr. Marais.

Statement issued by TAU SA, May 11 2010

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