Date: 03/12/2002
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Van Schalkwyk: Durbanville Farmers Union


EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH BY THE WESTERN CAPE PREMIER, MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK, ADDRESSING THE DURBANVILLE FARMERS UNION, Cape Town, 3 December 2002

The Provincial Government of the Western Cape welcomes the announcement on Monday by the National Minister of Labour of new minimum wage levels for farm workers in South Africa.

For many years organised agriculture in the Western Cape has made it clear that they have no problem or inherent opposition to the principle setting of minimum wage levels for farm workers, the primary concern in this regard has centred on what such levels might be, and whether or not they would be sustainable. The levels of R650 per month for rural farm workers and R800 per month for farm workers in higher-income areas are reasonable, especially in light of the fact that the minimum wage for domestic workers has been set at R1200 per month, and should therefore be seen as a step in the right direction. In practice though, more than half of the farm workers in the Western Cape already receive remuneration well in excess of these minimum levels.

Agriculture is a particularly important component of our economy in the Western Cape and in South Africa, and any initiatives or actions, which strengthen stability within the agricultural industry, must be positively received. The relationship between farmers and farm workers has in most cases been one of cooperative partnership, but in those instances where exploitation has been a feature of this relationship the new minimum wage levels will provide farm workers with important legal protection both for them and the families which they support.

The Western Cape Provincial Government also welcomes the spirit in which organised agriculture in our province, represented by Agri Western Cape, has reacted to the Minister's announcement. The new minimum wage levels are, in fact, in line with the proposals made at previous provincial congresses of organised agriculture in the Western Cape. There are, however, some details, like the deductions for housing, which should be further discussed.

What is also clear from the reaction of organised agriculture in the Western Cape is that there is a great deal of goodwill within the farming community towards the process of ongoing improvement of living and working conditions on farms in the province, and for the creation of a stronger agricultural sector, marked by improved levels and quality of production.

Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp on 083-778-9923
Issued by Office of the Premier, Western Cape
3 December 2002