KwaZulu-Natal provincial Farm Workers' Summit

28 April 2010

Theme: "Towards a better life for vulnerable workers on farms"

Farm workers and farm dwellers are among the most vulnerable group of the South African working class. Whilst a number of measures, including legislation, have been put in place to protect farm workers; most of them still do not enjoy achievements of the democratic dispensation. These amongst others include living wages and improved and fair conditions of employment.

A National Farm Workers' Summit is planned by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for later this year. In preparation for the national summit, all nine provinces will each organise a provincial Farm Workers' Summit.

To this end, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development is working with other provincial departments and stakeholders to prepare for the hosting of a provincial summit. Various stakeholders including National African Farmers Union of South Africa-KwaZulu-Natal (NAFU-KZN), KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (KWANALU), Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), Chemical Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU), Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD), Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA) and others are involved in inviting farm owners and farm workers to attend the summit. Cooperation from the farming communities is essential to ensure full participation of farm workers in the Summit.

The objectives of the summit are:

* To provide a platform for engagement and dialogue among all stakeholders on issues pertaining mainly to farm workers, farm owners and farm dwellers
* To allow for sharing of experiences and give voice to farm workers in order to address the challenges they are faced with on a daily basis
* To develop a programme of addressing common challenges, with clear goals and
* To create harmonious relations among farm workers and farm owners.

The outcome of the summit will be translated into a government's intervention programme towards addressing the plight of the farm workers.

The summit will focus on the following key areas: social services, working conditions, farm workers' rights, empowerment and skills development and any other cross cutting issues.

The KwaZulu-Natal Farm Workers provincial summit will take place on 29 and 30 April 2010 at Thornbush Inn, Ashburton.

For more information, please contact:

Isaiah Mahlangu
Tel: 033 343 8087
Cell: 083 375 3036
E-mail: Isaiah.mahlangu@kzndae.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
28 April 2010
Source: Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://agriculture.kzntl.gov.za/)