'Use commando good points'

2003-03-18 15:27

Cape Town - There can never be any compromise regarding the safety of rural communities, farmers and farm workers, said Western Cape Premier Marthinus van Schalkwyk on Tuesday.

Speaking at a Swartland Grain Development Group information day at Morreesburg, he referred to President Thabo Mbeki's announcement that the commando system would be phased out.

He said the issues surrounding rural safety had to be addressed with all the possible resources in a targeted and orderly manner.

In this regard, the commando system had played a crucial role in the past in promoting rural safety in the Western Cape.

"Although we understand the problems with elements of the commando system, we believe it is important to guard against an overly hasty reaction in this regard.

Safe working and living environments needed

"It is important that the positive elements within this system be retained as it evolves into the integrated sector rural development plan in the next six years, starting with the deployment of an intervention force, which will act as a reaction and patrol unit," he said.

The effectiveness of the new system also depended heavily on the involvement of reservists.

It was therefore important that farmers and farm workers were mobilised and encouraged to get involved as reservists in the new initiative.

"It is important, for better working relations between farmer and farm worker, and a stable agricultural sector in the province, that everyone is made aware of the benefits of a safe working and living environment.

"It is also important that members of the public who are part of the commando system get involved in the new structures in order to ensure the transfer of skills, knowledge and the positive elements from the commando system are successfully incorporated into the new initiative," said Van Schalkwyk.

- SAPA