Agri SA
Media Release
Posbus/ PO Box 1508 Pretoria 0001, Tel +27+12 300 9500, Faks/ Fax +27+12 320 0557
Embargo 12:00 on 18 September 2007
AGRI SA TESTIFIES BEFORE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Agri SA, in its testimony today before the Human Rights Commission, which is inquiring into labour conditions on farms, focused on the positive contributions that commercial agriculture makes to rural development and stability – especially insofar as farm communities are concerned – but also referred to obstacles in this regard.
Agri SA is frustrated with the many unsubstantiated allegations regarding human rights abuses and generalised deductions made in this regard. “It is unfair to the wide spectrum of farmers who realise that a productive and well-motivated labour force is essential for success and progress and who value and treat their workers accordingly. Remarks such as “farmers do this and not that” should come to an end. It is too easy to accuse this sector as a whole instead of focusing on the facts of specific incidents or allegations,” says Agri SA President Lourie Bosman, who led the evidence.
Bosman says generalised and unsubstantiated allegations against commercial agriculture that create a climate for policy and legislation which could further hamper the farmer’s economic freedom and freedom of choice, should be avoided. “We therefore expect the Human Rights Commission to use this inquiry and hearings to make a contribution to objective dialogue on the problems and challenges that need to be addressed. Agri SA has always been prepared to seek meaningful solutions to economic as well as social challenges faced by the sector, with the realities as point of departure,” says Bosman.
Agri SA, in its testimony, referred to the involvement of this organisation and its members in land reform initiatives, farmer development support, the development and implementation of labour policy and legislation, as well as actions aimed at improved rural safety and security. The organisation also focuses on the general upliftment of farm workers communities and career-oriented job opportunities whereby the most emotional issues investigated by the Human Rights Commission could be addressed.
“To be able to survive economically in a highly competitive environment, farm management must take place at the highest level. This includes the need to manage the labour force professionally and with the necessary sensitivity, to which Agri SA and its members are committed,” says to Bosman.
Issued by the Directorate: Corporate Liaison
Enquiries: Lourie Bosman, Agri SA President 082 388 3000
Hans van der Merwe, Agri SA’s Executive Director 082 388 0001
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