Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) reiterates our call for urgent action to address farm murders and rural safety, which continue to threaten lives, food security, jobs, and the stability of South Africa’s rural economy.
Following DA Federal Leader John Steenhuisen’s participation in the South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa that met with U.S. President Donald Trump, the DA welcomes the opportunity taken by Minister Steenhuisen to elevate the issue of farm murders and farm attacks that affects all race groups in South Africa.
Irrespective of years of denial by previous governments regarding the existence and nature of farm murders, the DA – and our leader John Steenhuisen – have consistently advocated for justice and protection for South Africa’s farming communities.
In his engagement with President Trump, Minister Steenhuisen reiterated that farm murders are a grim reality in South Africa and must be treated as an urgent national priority. We now welcome the fact that two parliamentary portfolio committees — the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and the Portfolio Committee on Police — have formally recognised that farm murders do happen and must be combatted without delay.
The adoption of the Joint Parliamentary Committee Report on Farm murders, tabled on 21 May 2025, reflects many of the policy reforms the DA has long championed. These include, among others, key recommendations that align directly with the DA’s Integrated Rural Safety Strategy:
- Establishment of a Specialised Rural Safety Unit in SAPS;
- Strengthen rural crime intelligence to combat farm attack syndicates and cross-border networks;
- Tackle low conviction rates through an integrated approach by SAPS and the NPA with intelligence led policing and prosecution led investigation;
- Support and strengthen cooperation between SAPS, community safety structures like farm watches, traditional leaders and other relevant stakeholders; and
- Acknowledge the uniquely brutal nature of farm murders, often involving torture.
The murder of farmers and farmworkers affects the food security of our nation. These are not ordinary crimes. They are premeditated, cruel and economically devastating.
We call on the Minister of Police to implement these recommendations without delay. Rural South Africa needs boots on the ground, intelligence in the field, and justice in the courts.
Regards
Willie Aucamp MP
DA National Spokesperson and DA Spokesperson on Agriculture