Pretoria – The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform says farm workers facing illegal eviction can contact its toll free hotline for assistance.
“Farm workers and farm dwellers who have been illegally evicted from farms should immediately call the department’s toll free number, 0800 007 095, where they will be assisted by a team of legal and mediation personnel appointed by the department,” said the department in a statement on Thursday.
The department said there has been an upsurge in farm evictions around the country, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal in the Newcastle area, in the Free State and Cape Winelands in the Western Cape.
Rural Development Minister Gugile Nkwinti will be sending officials on a fact finding mission to ascertain how to further strengthen support to affected farming communities.
He has called on the agricultural sector to take steps to help stop illegal evictions.
The department said the farm workers and farm dwellers face many challenges when they are evicted illegally with their homes often being destroyed upon eviction. Elderly persons are at times dumped on the side of the road by farmers without any assistance or support.
“Despite the government promulgating legislation to, among others, regulate evictions, including the Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA), 62 of 1997 – farm evictions are continuing to occur.
“The department is also engaged in efforts to strengthen the protection of farm workers and farm dwellers through the amendment of this Act,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za
