Hot on the heels reports from Statistics South Africa indicating a 1,1% decline in jobs in the agricultural sector in a quarter year, Limpopo is about to shed over 410 labourers in Levhubu. This time, the irresponsible implementation of land reform is to blame. According to Jan Viljoen, the chairperson of TAU SA North, strategic partners in Levhubu are pulling the plug on land reform projects because they’ve had enough of delays in the ownership transfer process.
TAU SA North said farm labourers received final notices in October and farm managers’ services would be terminated at the end of November. “The impact on the community will show in the increase in poverty, but also in crime,” said Viljoen, adding that the future of Levubu is on the line. Decisions must be based on current realities and economic principles not outdated political ideologies,” he said. AU SA North said a sustainable solution would be to allow commercial farmers to enter into long-term rental agreements. “Commercial farmers have much to lose and would make sure farms are properly maintained,” the union said. – Peter Mashala
