South African farmers have long been the backbone of our economy, our food security, and our rural communities.
Yet, despite their importance, they are too often met with poor service delivery, incompetence, and a lack of respect from government institutions and service providers. It’s time to say: enough is enough.
Farmers deserve more than broken promises, unreturned calls, and poor infrastructure support. They deserve service that matches the critical role they play in our nation’s survival. From delays in handling disease outbreaks like foot-and-mouth, to erratic export policies and deteriorating roads, the standard of governance and support has dropped to unacceptable levels.
But here is the truth: we cannot continue to handle this situation with kid gloves.
Do Not Lower Your Standards
When we begin to tolerate unprofessionalism, when we remain silent in the face of incompetence, we slowly erode our own standards. We cannot afford to accept mediocrity simply because it has become the norm. South African farmers have always operated with resilience, pride, and excellence—this must not change.
Speak Out and Stand Up
We must speak up—not in anger, but with strength and clarity. We must demand accountability from those tasked with serving the agricultural sector. Service providers, government departments, and institutions must be reminded that their job is to support the people who feed the nation.
Let us maintain our dignity, but not our silence.
Take Back Control
In many towns, the decay is visible. Roads are crumbling, services are failing, and leadership is absent. If we do not step in, we risk losing control of the very communities we built.
It may already be almost too late. But farmers are not helpless. Where municipalities fail, communities can rise. Where policy falters, unity can bring power.
This is not a call for rebellion—it’s a call for responsibility. It’s a call to lead again.
The Time Is Now
We are facing too many challenges to keep tolerating poor service delivery. The health of our herds, the integrity of our exports, and the survival of rural economies all hang in the balance. If we wait for others to fix the problem, we may lose everything.
To every farmer: hold the line. Demand excellence. Protect your land, your dignity, and your future. South Africa needs you—loud, proud, and uncompromising.
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