KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has told the farming community of Normandien he supports their call for a commission of inquiry into their concerns.

Addressing hundreds of farm dwellers farm workers in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal farming district of Normandien, Zikalala said he was concerned that a commission would take long to resolve their pressing issues.

“I support the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the concerns raised by the farming communities in KwaZulu-Natal. I have one reservation about commissions, it’s just that they take too long to resolve issues,” said Premier Zikalala.

The highlight of the engagements was the lighting of the candle which was a call to commitment to peace and social cohesion among these communities. The candle-lighting ceremony was also in memory of the farming community residents who succumbed to the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

Premier Zikalala earlier interacted with farming communities in Gluckstad, Vryheid, where Mr Fana Mnguni’s newly-built house was demolished by a farmer who was accompanied by local police. The farmer is alleged to have shot and injured Mr Mnguni’s son who had difficulty in opening a criminal case against police in Gluckstad police station.

Premier Zikalala and members of his cabinet had been visiting farming communities in Phongolo, Vryheid and Dannhauser in a bid to resolve tensions between farmers and farm dwellers and tenants in the past two days.

Premier Zikalala encouraged these communities to plant the seeds of peace, unity and social cohesion which will help to grow KwaZulu-Natal into a fruitful and prosperous province.

The Premier was accompanied by MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Bongi Sithole-Moloi, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, Transport Community Safety and Liaison Nelisiwe Nkonyeni, MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Ntuthuko Sibiya as well as Districts and local and Mayors.

The affected visited districts are Amajuba, Abaqulusi and Zululand.

Following the engagements, the Premier has established a cabinet committee led by MEC Sithole-Moloi which will address all the issues raised. The committee will meet monthly and report back to the community every three months.

Among the burning issues raised by the communities is abuse by farm owners and the police bias against the community and in favour of the farmers.

Newly appointed KZN Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has been tasked with grievances relating to the police.

Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.

For more information contact:

Lennox Mabaso

082 884 2403

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