Farmers on the North Coast came together on Saturday in a show of strength in unity against their greatest threats – theft, poaching and arson.

More than 100 farmers and related industries took part in the peaceful motorcade to draw attention to the urgent need for increased rural security.

The motorcade of 92 cars, 13 tractors, and 4 trucks made a grand statement as it snaked down from Misty Ridge Farm in Upper Tongaat, through Ballito and into Umhlali.

Participating farmer, Dr Ravin Lekha said his uncle was brutally attacked 5 years ago, forcing him to move his his family off their farm.

His family runs more than 1 000 hectares of sugar cane and macadamia trees in Upper Tongaat, but since the move production has drastically declined to a point that they had to reduce their seasonal staff from 200 to 140 workers. 

Another farmer, Nick Robert, who leases land between Eshowe and Umhlanga, said such events need to be held regularly.

He was happy to see the community stand together in these trying times.

“We are living and working at a time where safety – and specifically the lack thereof – for farmers is a challenge.

There used to be a time when farming was a pleasant lifestyle, when doors were never locked.

Now we live in cages and always lock ourselves up in safe areas at night.

During the day we work with the expectation of each interaction we have with someone on our farms becoming violent. 

“I have theft on my farms that run in the hundreds of thousands of rands in loss each year because people don’t respect private property and help themselves to cane without permission,” he said.

He said arson fires were a real challenge, causing not only monetary loss but disrupting farming cycles.

They also were a danger to staff who had to fight these fires.

People who are sometimes challenged for stealing cane are suspected of starting fires out of spite.

“So, I’m extremely grateful for the initiative taken by Peter’s Tractors in raising awareness about farmers’ safety. There is more to be done in terms of educating people about private property,” said Robert.

Peter’s Tractors manager, Shakti Rampersad said they felt there was an urgent need for society to rise up and protect farmers, both big and small, and their employees, who provide the food for our tables.

“I am very happy with the turnout and we thank everyone who came in support,” said Rampersad.