It is disheartening that there are still certain groups that do not realise the importance and value of farmers in South Africa.

TLU SA emphasised the critical role farmers play by highlighting the following:

• Rural communities are dependent upon successful farmers in the district for their survival.
• Rural towns depend on the purchasing power that farmers and their employees spend in those towns.
• Agriculture provides much-needed jobs to roughly one million people in the country (depending upon seasonal requirements).
• The production of sufficient food remains one of the most important stabilising factors in the country.

“The relationship between farmers and their employees is outstanding; indeed a beacon of hope in a generally turbulent South African labour environment, says Mr Henry Geldenhuys, president of TLU SA. “Some of our members’ employees have been working on the same farm for more than three generations. This is an indication of a positive work environment.”

“Politicians who want to create uncertainty around agriculture with their distorted agendas, constantly attempting to create the impression that farmworkers are abused and treated like slaves, in fact only reveal their total lack of knowledge and understanding about work relationships on farms.”

These reckless statements threaten food security. Only once the food is no longer readily available will people finally value farmers and the stable agricultural environment they create and maintain. Without farmers and their workers, there will be no food and therefore no future in the country.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to all South Africans who have recently opened their hearts to our farmers who have been affected by devastating fires,” says Mr Geldenhuys.

“Several role players went the extra mile to alleviate the crisis. It made a huge difference.”

Issued by:                  TLU SA 

Date:                           5 November 2020

Enquiries:                  Mr Henry Geldenhuys, President TLU SA,                                                       Cell.: 083 560 1273

                                    Mr Bennie van Zyl, General Manager TLU SA,

                                    Cell.: 082 466 4470