Madam Speaker, the absurd and illegal farm evictions around the country, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, in the Newcastle area, in the Free State and the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape are not just of deep concern of the ANC, but also all caring South Africans.
It is also a concern when more elderly persons who worked on the farm for years are just dumped at the side of the road by farmers, without giving them any assistance or support, and their homes often being destroyed upon eviction, when their labour power is no longer needed.
The ANC is pleased by the intervention of government in assisting farm workers and farm dwellers to deal with these unwarranted and illegal challenges. We also call upon affected workers to use the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform's toll free number, 0800 007095, to report such cases. [Interjections.] The ANC would like to appeal to the agricultural sector to take steps to help stop illegal evictions. I thank you. [Applause.]