Crime costly to South Africa's farming sector

Crime in South Africa's agricultural sector does not only cause human suffering, but also costs the sector more than R1bn($143 million) a year.

In shock revelations to the Human Rights Commission, farmers union Agri SA revealed that farm attacks increased by 25% to 794 in the year to end-June. Almost 90% of the attacks were burglaries. Agri SA was delivering a report to the HRC on the progress with residential rights, safety and security and labour relations in the agricultural sector.

The report refers to Statistics South Africa's findings in its 2002 agricultural census, showing that theft of cattle amounted to a R483m ($69 million) loss for the sector, while the plundering of equipment and implements amounted to R204m ($29 million), damage to buildings and vehicles amounted to R99m and theft of products cost the sector another R443m ($63 million).

Referring to the causes for the attacks, Agri SA said there is great concern over the negative picture painted by some non-government organisations and officials. "We believe that this contributed to motivate people to attack farmers and their families," according to the report.

On residential security, Agri SA said it recognised the constitutional rights of farm workers, but said there are circumstances where it doesn't make sense to harbour workers any longer on farms. Not only did worker numbers decline, but there was also a significant decline in the number of commercial farmers.

The organisation, however, question the alleged huge numbers of dispossessed people often mentioned. Agri SA never received any evidence of this.

Agri SA suggested a review of the laws governing dismissals, because it reckoned that the problem was with the enforcement of the laws.

The organisation also suggested that a body similar to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) be created to deal with depositions.

On labour relations, Agri SA said in this year alone, the Department of Labour released three press statements, where officials - after inspections - expressed their satisfaction with labour relations on farms.

Fin24-SA