PRESS STATEMENT BY
THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY

Farm Invasions Must Stop Now

DURBAN :  6 JULY, 2000

The reports about invasions of commercial farms on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal are a disturbing piece of news.

A number of causes may have led to this irrational action by the involved communities. They may have been driven by destitution or by despondency in seeing little significant action by the South African government to fulfil its undertakings. These are understandable reasons. However they do not justify resorting to illegal means. Our people must not allow desperation to lead them to irrational, self-defeating actions which are sure to backfire on them and the whole country.

Every South African should have realised that-regardless of denials by the government-the chaotic events in Zimbabwe did have a negative effect on the Rand. It is a painful reality that foreign business, on which South Africa depends if we are to realise the complete economic emancipation of our people, is easily frightened away from any area which shows signs of instability and disorder. And as we have now realised from the sanctions and disinvestments campaign, it is nearly impossible to woo back business after it has moved out.

For our people to emulate the unfortunate and dangerous Zimbabwean drama would be detrimental to the whole country, including their own cause. The IFP therefore, pleads with all those reported to have occupied the farms, to move out and stop further invasions. Their anger, if there is any, should rather be directed at the government, the institution they voted for, and which has the legislative power to address the issues of land.

The IFP also warns the government yet again to expedite the resolution of the land question before it gets out of hand. The government must not appear to be more concerned with spending millions of rands in foreign missions when those to whom its 
first duty is, are left destitute.

The government must act now or it will stand accused of having pushed our people to acts of desperation which breed chaos. 

For Further Information
Mr Geoffrey Bhengu, MP 083 255 3513