The National African Farmers Union of South Africa (Nafu) has thrown its weight behind President Thabo Mbeki ahead of the ruling party's mid-December policy conference. Mbeki is expected to fight a close race against former Vice President Jacob Zuma.
"We debated the matter and democracy has won," Nafu president Motsepe Matlala said. "President Mbeki has over the years shown interest in the well-being of farmers, particularly in the rural areas. His interaction with the Agriculture Working Group and understanding of our vision shows that he can transform this sector into a power house and create more jobs for people," Matlala said.
Matlala said Nafu represented about 400,000 farmers, mostly subsistence farmers.
Nafu seeks the faster transfer of land to black farmers, greater financial support and more participation for farmers in decision-making. It wants the government to show greater commitment to implementing the Strategic Plan for Agriculture adopted in November 2001.
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December 10, 2007
South African farmers' group supports Mbeki in ruling party leadership race
Categories land reform, South Africa
