Sibonelo Mkhwanazi

Sibonelo Mkhwanazi

The National African Farmers Union (Nafu) has called on the government to review farming laws, which they believe are ineffective and are fuelling tensions in the farming sector.

"We do not support farm killings and illegal evictions of farmworkers.

"There must be further discussion between all stakeholders in a bid to maintain a friendly understanding between farmers and farmworkers," said Motsepe Matlala, Nafu president.

Matlala said his union had demanded a comprehensive strategy that would deal with the criminal elements that were terrorising the farming community.

"Measures must be taken to sensitise all farmers and to help them avoid the inhumane actions that breed resentment," Matlala said.

Eddie Mulaudzi, agriculture and land affairs spokesman, said the department condemned both farm killings and evictions.

"The department is busy working on a strategy that would bring harmony to the farming sector."

Meanwhile, Edwin Mohlahla, spokesman for the Landless People's Movement, said his organisation would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that perpetrators of farm evictions were brought to book.

He said that the movement would be holding an indaba with the government on farmworkers' salaries.

"We believe that the government is making slow progress towards reviewing farmworkers' salaries," he said.