The history of farm labor in
the Republic of South Africa

Hartford Web Publishing is not the author of the documents in World History Archives and does not presume to validate their accuracy or authenticity nor to release their copyright.

Working-class history in general of the Republic of South Africa

Farm workers to begin to build union, ANC

By Vana Knap and Gred McCartan, in the Militant, 14 January 1995. Until the ANC won a majority in the April 1994 elections, farm workers remained largely unorganized. The ANC's victory, along with recent changes in labor legislation, have given farm workers an opportunity to reverse this situation.

Forced Evictions of Farmworkers Underway

By Danielle Owen, IPS, 14 December 1999. Forced farm evictions began this week on a South African farm near the Zimbabwe border. More than 700 people will be forced to leave the white-owned citrus farm they have worked on for decades. Sacked after joining a labor union in a bid to improve their working conditions, the workers were betrayed by the union, says the Nkuzi Development Association, a local land rights NGO.

Farm evictions rock E Cape

City Press 14 May 2000. Evicted farmworkers in the Albany district of the Eastern Cape have claimed farmers are using brute force to force them off farms and out of jobs. Harrassment and eviction of farm workers is on the increase in the Eastern Cape because of changing farming patterns, particularly the move towards game farming.

Cape farm workers a 'vulnerable' group

By Judith Soal, in Cape Times, 28 May 2000. Farm workers are among the most vulnerable groups because they are completely dependent on the farmer for their homes and their jobs. It is very hard for them to assert their rights. Research shows the living conditions in the area are among the worst in the country, and children are more likely to be malnourished. Alcohol abuse is rife, and workers become indebted to the farmers because they are given alcohol and food from the farm store on credit and then the bill is deducted from their wages. Policies to protect children and workers have made very little difference on farms.