Elections 2024: ‘I can’t vote for somebody that wants to take my farm,' says NW farmer
The issue of land reform policy and expropriation of land without compensation is high on the minds of voters in the North West town of Coligny, a maize-producing area and home to many privately-owned farms.
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COLIGNY - Farmers in the North West town of Coligny said they are voting to maintain their livelihoods.
Coligny is a maize-producing area and home to many privately-owned farms.
The issue of land reform policy and expropriation of land without compensation is high on the minds of voters.
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The farmers who have spoken to Eyewitness News are clear that they do not support any political party that seeks to take their land away from them.
The issue of addressing apartheid-era land dispossession continues to be a thorny political topic.
Maize farmer Johan Oelofse said he voted to protect his family’s land.
“Well, I can’t vote for somebody that wants to take my farm. We have to get surety about our livelihood. We have to get surety about what’s going on in the [agricultural sector]. We have a lot of people that work for us.”
Farmers have also raised the issue of stock theft and water shortages that are threatening their businesses.
Henny Van Wyk, a retired Farmer and pensioner, is the first voter to arrive at the Hoërskool voting station in Coligny.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 29, 2024
Van Wyk Said water, load shedding and the old-age grant will be at the top of his mind as he casts his vote. TCG#Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/3tjJk4Z6Fs