Sugarcane working conditions under scrutiny
Farm workers raise concerns over a host of issues at Empangeni Farm Watch meeting
WORKERS and supervisors from different farms around uMhlathuze gathered at Empangeni Farmwatch and Security 4-U Hall late last week to discuss pertinent issues they are faced with in doing their jobs.
They addressed Farmwatch Management as well as Security 4-U officials.
According to Larry Erasmus of Empangeni Farmwatch, the aim of the meeting was to create a better understanding between the community and Empangeni Farmwatch.
‘It is important that we take into consideration some of the problems the community around us are faced with.
‘Hence we held this meeting so we could address some of the issues,’ he said.
The supervisors expressed concern regarding metered taxis in the area.
On the issue of motor vehicles, the workers expressed their concerns about unidentified vehicles that drive at high speeds in their areas whilst people are working – posing a risk to their lives.
The issue of ambulance services not being able to attend to people in outlying areas, due to treacherous roads was highlighted.
Workers were grateful to Farmwatch who in many cases worked as an escort service, transporting injured and sick people to hospitals.
Cane cover for illegal activities
Workers noted that they feel unsafe in their working environment for a number of reasons.
They noted that the sugarcane is being used as cover for a host of illegal activities such as the taking of drugs as well as sexual acts.
Metered taxis came under fire in this regard after workers irritably argued that meter taxis are hired by individuals who are involved in these illegal activities, and they do not want them in their areas.
Another issue was that of hunting.
Workers are unhappy about people who hunt with their dogs whilst they are working in the sugarcane; they said that this further puts their lives at risk.
Before the meeting came to a close, workers expressed their disappointment that the SAPS were not present, although they had been invited to attend the meeting.
Empangeni Farmwatch Management said that there will be another meeting scheduled soon where both ambulances services as well as SAPS will be invited to attend.
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