PREMIER DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM FARMER
(25/03/2005)
The Office of Premier Thabang Makwetla has learnt with shock and outrage at the utterances expressed in the media by Mr. Tony Masson, an Ermelo based farmer, who this week alleged that the Premier, during his previous tenure as M E C for safety and security, called him “a bloody white farmer” and he therefore demands an apology.
Mr. Masson says the Premier must first apologise in order for Members of the Mpumalanga Legislature or any government official to be allowed entry onto his property. This occurred during the legislature community outreach program when members of the provincial legislature were visiting various farms in the Msukaligwa area. As a result, MPL’s who visited Mr.Masson’s farm in order to inspect working conditions of farm employees were prevented from doing so.
We therefore view his arrogant actions and utterances with the level of seriousness and contempt they deserve. This represents nothing else but a naked fabrication that is clearly designed to suit a suffocating racist anti transformation propaganda. Racists in denial do not contribute much towards reconciliation and the national consensus of building a united and non-racial society based on respect for basic human rights.
The Office of the Premier therefore demands an immediate and unconditional public apology from Mr. Masson. Failure to comply with this request will result in the office pursuing a legal route based on the defamatory remarks attributed to Mr. Masson.
Mr. Masson must, as a matter of course, embrace the reality of a democratic government and its progressive policies that are aimed at making Mpumalanga a better place to live and work in for all. Like all other farmers, he carries an obligation to ensure that his employees earn a decent salary, complies with the Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA) laws, respects basic constitutional principles of his employees to freedom of movement and association, allows children of his employees to attend school without any hindrance.
In doing so, he shall be joining the majority of Mpumalanga farmers who contribute positively to the provincial economy through their agricultural activities and respect for the rule of law.
Enquiries :
Ntime Skhosana
0846730415 or +27 13 766 2055
Issued by :
Office Of The Premier
Mpumalanga Provincial Government