Media Statement
The Food and
Allied Workers’ Union (F.A.W.U) welcomes the recent announcement by the
Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza, over
her department’s grant of more than R500 million in relief funds to about 15 036
small holder and communal farmers who were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
We believe
that the funds will go a long way to assist its intended beneficiaries who
include the most vulnerable rural communities across the country. These small-scale and subsistence farmers are
also responsible for the employment of many rural farm workers and farm
dwellers and ensure food security for those living in these small communities.
FAWU has always viewed self-sufficiency in food production as vital for
survival for those living and working in agrarian areas. It is satisfying to
see that the beneficiary groups extended its reach to included women, the youth
and people with disabilities.
As an
organisation representing labour, we are appreciative of the Ministry’s
intervention efforts in terms of the severe challenges facing the agricultural
sector and its most vulnerable stakeholders during this Covid-19 pandemic.
We want to
commend the Ministry’s initiative with the provision of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) to farm workers as they have become frontline workers in safeguarding
food production and distribution to the nation during this life-altering
pandemic.
We look
forward to meaningful future engagements with the Minister to address existing
challenges facing agricultural workers.
For more information, kindly contact
the General Secretary, Mngomezulu Mayoyo - 082 440 4039 or FAWU National President
Atwell Nazo on 079 892 4896. Released by Media Liaison Officer, Dominique
Martin -082 498 5631
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