https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-10-08-police-move-to-quell-anger-over-senekal-farmers-murder-but-political-interests-threaten-to-add-fuel-to-the-fire/
Since 2001, farm attacks have been an ongoing issue in South Africa. These violent crimes occur mainly against white farm owners, and the issue is considered to be racially motivated. The farming community has repeatedly called for action, as was seen by protests at Senekal Magistrates’ Court, where trial was being held for the murder of farm owner Brendin Horner by two men. Although it is unclear by who, a gunshot was fired during the storming of the courthouse. Fire was also set to a police car. These protesters are outraged by the lack of action by police to combat these repeated violent attacks. Stakeholders have recently endorsed a plan called the Rural Safety Strategy, which encourages the police and SAPS to work closely along with farm protection groups. President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously denied evidence of the farm killings, but has now come forward to acknowledge the severity of the situation. However, the previous lack of action by the government has resulted in conspiracies of their involvement in allowing the crimes, and clashes between political parties in the country.
It’s interesting to see the multiple viewpoints expressed in this article, from the farm owners to the farming communities to the government, as each group thinks the others are acting incorrectly. It’s also unusual to see violence against white business owners, which adds another unique aspect to this situation. Additionally, historically black South Africans have been restricted in owning land, and one political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have called for redistribution of South African land. This is likely a motivation behind the crimes, along with money due to the large number of the country’s population living in poverty. As the violence against farmers continues to cause further violence, this chain will likely continue unless solidified action is taken. The Rural Safety Strategy is a step towards a solution, but the clashes between the different groups involved in the plan will likely compromise its success.
This article connects to what we’ve been talking about in class primarily through terminology. South Africa is a democratic republic, which is shown through their official name: The Republic of South Africa. This relates to the political ideologies administered by the government and their reactions to this issue, which are politically based. Additionally, a way to analyze this issue at a domestic/state level is through looking at direct cause and effect, as you can connect previous restrictions on the amount of land black South Africans could own to current day violence against white farmers. However, no situation has purely one cause, so this issue is likely multi-faceted and had other factors leading up to it.