The term ‘eviction’ has become a swear word in certain circles, and some non-governmental organisations are quick to make a connection between ‘bad, unfeeling farmers’ who evict people from farms, leaving them without refuge, and the call for expropriation without compensation (EWC) and security of tenure for farm dwellers. The reality is far more complicated, and this matter therefore deserves to be viewed from all angles.
Land invasions are of great concern to farmers; certain political parties and other groupings have threatened farmers openly with unlawful occupation of land. It is important to understand the legal framework around such occupation, and especially the rights of the landowner.
NOT JUST A RURAL PROBLEM
There are no reliable statistics for evictions in South Africa, but the perception exists that they occur primarily in rural areas and that farmers are mainly responsible. This is not necessarily true.
All land not specifically zoned for other uses is deemed to be agricultural land. However, this does not mean that all land zoned for agriculture is used for farming purposes. Much land, especially around cities, is zoned for agriculture, but is in fact used for business or industrial purposes. And many large-scale evictions are as a result of proposed property development and urban expansion.
LAWFUL VERSUS UNLAWFUL
Various laws, including the Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA) and the Labour Tenants Act, make provision for eviction. These laws contain strict requirements and limited grounds for eviction, and strong protection of the rights of occupiers, even unlawful occupiers. These people may be evicted only with a court order, after proper notice is given, and all relevant factors, including the availability of suitable alternative accommodation, have been considered.
Denne historien er fra October 11, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra October 11, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
