FFPlus: Statement by Anton Alberts, Freedom Front Plus spokesperson, on farming conditions (02/03/2010)

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Published: 02 Mar 2010

FFPlus: Statement by Anton Alberts, Freedom Front Plus spokesperson, on farming conditions (02/03/2010)

The Freedom Front Plus has with shock taken note of yet two more farm murders which had taken place this past week-end. Farm murders are reaching epidemic proportions with farmers finding themselves in a low intensity war rather than it merely being a number of crime incidents. According to Adv. Anton Alberts, FF Plus parliamentary spokesperson on Economic Affairs, the combination of the terror of the continued farm murders together with the increased power and fuel prices, is the deathblow for the agricultural industry and food security in South Africa. If one adds the abortive land-claims process into account to this, then it is clear that farmers in South Africa are very brave people in that they continue to try and farm.

The FF Plus is of the opinion that the farming community is correct when they earnestly request that the commando system be re-introduced. The farmers is at present at the mercy of violence and murder with only a pathetic SAPS and a depleted number of firearms (due to the arms control legislation) with which they have to protect themselves. The government will seriously have to start thinking about this state of affairs and about the re-introduction of the commando system. The system was effective and originates from the days when farmers also fought against colonialism and it has never been racially driven. There should be not be any historical, racial or practical impediments placed on the re-introduction of this system.

The FF Plus intends to speak to President Zuma in due course about this issue. It is important that the state can safeguard everyone's lives in South Africa, but especially those of farmers which form the socio-economic backbone of our society through ensuring food security.