Zimbabwean farmers part of the solution, not the problem – Mulder

Agriculture’s deputy minister Dr Pieter Mulder is convinced the pendulum will swing for Zimbabwean farmers, and they should stand strong and not lose hope now.
”Racism played a major role in bringing the Zimbabwean agricultural situation to where it is today,” said Dr Mulder, at the Boland Kamerade’s Angus Beef Day in Stellenbosch.
Boland Kamerade launched a fund to support Zimbabwe’s Commercial Farmer’s Union (CFU) at the event, and donated some of the proceeds from their auction.
“It’s because of political reasons that commercial farmers in Zimbabwe are perceived as a problem, but surely, as with all commercial farmers in Africa, they should be part of the solution,” said Dr Mulder. “We farmers have been farming in Africa for 300 years and we will continue to farm here. The government should realise this, but it’s also important that farmers take on the responsibility to help solve the unique problems land reform poses for them in Africa.”
Hendrik Olivier, chief executive officer of the CFU, was present to accept the donation. The fund will be managed by Agri SA and the CFU through a South African Absa account.
Olivier expressed the union’s gratitude and said that they, as farmers, are standing ready to do their part to help rebuild Zimbabwe. “We have to give the new national government a fair chance – they’re our only hope,” he said. The members of the CFU believe some crucial steps have to be taken regarding farming in Zimbabwe. “A moratorium has to be placed on all farm invasions and the prosecution of farmers. A land audit should also be done to determine the current situation,” said Olivier.
Dr Mulder also spoke about agriculture in South Africa saying, “Farmers are under extreme pressure to produce because of the recession. But the agricultural sector’s ability to contribute to job creation and the economy in the current financial crisis puts a renewed focus on the need for, and advantages of, commercial farming in South Africa.”
Also attending the event on Middelvlei farm was Gerrit van Rensburg, the agriculture minister in the Western Cape. – Denene Erasmus