As we approach the end of the year and move into the festive season, the safety of producers, agri-workers and rural communities remains a priority for the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. For this reason, I am encouraging all producers, farmers, residents and agri-workers to be safe and responsible on the roads, particularly on our farms, during this period.

The Western Cape agricultural sector is an essential contributor to the overall economic growth of the Western Cape and plays a crucial part in creating jobs.

Rural safety remains one of our key priorities. We are determined to prevent attacks on farmers and Agri -workers. In addition, we must stop the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in our rural communities.

I have said it before and will repeat it: “An attack on anyone involved in the agriculture sector is an attack on South Africa’s economy”.

Our farmers, agri-workers and rural communities are also often exposed to risks such as fires, extreme heat and drownings in farm dams and water courses.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Our farm and neighbourhood watches will be on high alert this festive season for any eventualities. In addition, we support the South African Police Service and the Department of Community Safety with their respective programmes and initiatives.

All of us, however, have a role to play. Play your role by:

  • celebrating the period with family and friends responsibly and
  • preventing accidents and drowning by not driving and swimming under the influence of alcohol and other substances and
  • when visiting the beach, always adhere to the lifeguards’ instructions.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS: South African Police Service Emergency Number: 10111 Crime Stop (report criminal activity anonymously): 08600 10111 South African Tourism helpline: 083 123 6789 ER24: 084 124 Arrive Alive Call Centre: 0861 400 800 Netcare 911: 082 911