Moet Boere bly of ry?

The Executive Committee of TAU SA has taken note of the ANC's demand that land should be expropriated without compensation and that the Constitution should be amended to serve the interest of the National Democratic Revolution.

"We take note and understand the recent utterances about nationalisation and ownership of land," Mr Ben Marais, president of TAU SA said. "That does not mean that we as farmers will relinquish our land which we have preserved and tilled over many years, without any compensation.

Private ownership is internationally recognised and protected, and farmers we will defend such rights," Mr Marais said. "We will not accept accusations that we have stolen land. Based on recorded history, international historians have substantiated the view that farmers have acquired their land legitimately, and we stand by that."

"As far as we are concerned, the ANC has drawn the line, both in terms of their explicit threats as well as the silent support for such points of view. South Africa and the international community should take note of this. The ANC will have to bear the consequences should they continue with grand theft and they will have to explain the subsequent shortage of food."

"In the mean time, we recommend that farmers take the necessary safety precautions and to promote rural safety within the limits of the law. We need not allow that our farms are to be illegally occupied thus threatening life and property. We also call on farmers to reach out to each other, to protect each others' interests and to cooperate to promote mutual safety and security," Mr Marais said.

"We challenge the president, Mr. Jacob Zuma and his cabinet to be quite clear about this. The time has come to face future consequences without flinching. The basic questions which need to be answered is whether the government and its' affiliates regard all the citizens of this country as true equals under the Constitution and does the country have the capacity to feed a growing population should a decreasing number commercial farmers consider seeking a future elsewhere in the world?", Mr Marais asks.

It is imperative to involve a broad alliance of stakeholders to consider solutions.

Statement issued by Ben Marais, president of TAU SA, June 22 2011

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