AfriForum demands answers from government regarding forcefully relocated farmer

18 March 2021 

AfriForum today sent a letter to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development regarding a farmer who has been forcefully relocated from his farm. It has been reported that the Department has ordered Mr Ivan Cloete, a Western Cape based farmer to relocate from state land in Swartland municipality – his third relocation by the state since 2013. It has been reported that Mr Cloete is being moved from his farm to make way for an MK veteran.

AfriForum’s requests contained in the letter are as follows:

1. The record of decision regarding Mr Cloete’s relocation and/or termination of lease;

2. Confirmation of the written decision regarding the above, if any;

3. When and by who the decision to terminate Mr Cloete’s lease and/or to relocate Mr Cloete was taken;

4. Which state policy or policies were considered when the above-mentioned decision was taken;

5. Whether any formal analysis was done regarding the productivity of Mr Cloete’s farm;

6. All public statements made by departmental spokespersons and/or employees regarding the relocation and/or termination of Mr Cloete’s lease.

“The reckless abandon with which the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development appears to be relocating productive farmers is shocking. The Department’s core mission should be to support sustainable, productive agriculture which continues to provide jobs and income for millions. Serving and enriching politically connected elites goes directly against that mission,” says Ernst van Zyl, Campaign Officer for strategy and content at AfriForum.

AfriForum hopes to hear from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development soon.

Issued Andrea van Wyk, Media Relations Officer, AfriForum, 18 March 2021