MBOMBELA – The premier, Mr David Mabuza, has made good on this promise to investigate the socio-conditions of farm dwellers in Mpumalanga.
He announced last week that he had established a seven-member commission of inquiry to investigate shortcomings, transgressions and non-compliance with legislation on farms.
During the premier’s State of the Province Address (Sopa) in February 2015, he promised to set up the commission to look into the conditions of farm dwellers and make specific recommendations on what interventions are required to address their plight.
“Notwithstanding progress made to date in the implementation of our comprehensive rural-development programme, we are convinced that the conditions in which farm dwellers live are far from ideal, and require our urgent intervention as government,” he said.
“We need to address the plight of farm dwellers to ensure that their socio-economic rights are protected.
Like all of us, they should have access to quality education, health-care and other basic services such as electricity, water and sanitation.”
At least R10 million had been set aside for the members’ remuneration, transport, accommodation, and meetings as some come from other provinces.
The members are Adv Eunanda Eugenia Fourie, Adv Jacob Jakobus Gerhard Louw, Mr Michael Knowledge Soko, Mr Ernest Mmako, Mr Robert David Davel, Mr David Thabo Mokoena and Ms Nomvula Mavis Maya.
“I have hand-picked these good and credible South Africans,” he said.
“I am confident that I have made the best selection. I have used the people I know will help me and with whom I can leave this assignment.
“The message that I gave them is that they must stay calm, be patient and stay focused.
“All of us value the role that this sector is playing. While we support the production of food in our province by the farmers, the conditions of the workers must be favourable to their well-being too.
“Our intention is to address the animosity that exists between farm owners and dwellers,” Mabuza added.
The commission will attempt to solve issues around the protection of human rights with specific emphasis on socio-economic rights, employment security and safety, access to adequate and sustainable housing, working conditions pertaining to hours, scope and compensation, compliance with health and safety regulations, access to quality education and health care, access to the justice system and curtailment of unlawful evictions.
They have been instructed to report back to the premier on or before the end of March 2016.
- Read more on government support for emerging farmers in Mpumalanga.
