The escalating tension between the Izwi Labantu Forum and government officials highlights the struggles faced by black emerging farmers in South Africa.
Image: File picture
Tensions between the Izwi Labantu Forum and Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Bianca Mhlauli have escalated after the organisation accused government of failing to respond to the concerns of black emerging farmers more than three months after a march to the Union Buildings.
The dispute erupted following a heated exchange between ILF executive chairperson Norma Mbatha and Mhlauli over the progress made on a memorandum containing 14 demands submitted by black farmers in January.
The memorandum was handed over during a march organised by ILF alongside the South African Communist Party and several organisations representing black farmers and rural communities. The protest called for urgent government intervention to address challenges including land access, agricultural support, funding delays, and what the group described as the continued marginalisation of black farmers.
In a statement released on Thursday, ILF accused Mhlauli of failing to honour commitments made to farmers during the march. The organisation also criticised what it described as disrespectful conduct towards Mbatha during their recent interaction.
ILF spokesperson and Gauteng leader Melissa Davids said the organisation was deeply disappointed by the Deputy Minister’s handling of the matter.
“We are disturbed by the conduct displayed towards our executive chairperson Norma Mbatha,” Davids said.
“Instead of focusing on the serious concerns raised by black farmers, the Deputy Minister resorted to personal remarks and accused Ms Mbatha of seeking attention without explaining what she meant.”
Davids said the organisation believed the comments were inappropriate and distracted from the real issues facing farming communities.
According to ILF, Mhlauli had assured protesters at the Union Buildings that the Presidency would oversee the resolution of the demands submitted by black farmers. However, the organisation claimed there had been little progress since then.
“More than three months later we have only seen delays, excuses, and engagements that have produced no meaningful outcomes,” Davids said.
“The farmers who marched in good faith are still waiting for action.”
Mbatha has also accused government departments of failing to adequately support black farmers despite repeated promises of transformation in the agricultural sector.
She said millions of rand intended for agricultural development had reportedly been returned to the National Treasury while many rural communities continued to struggle without basic resources.
“Black farmers are still unable to access fencing, tractors, seeds, and other forms of support needed to sustain their operations,” Mbatha said.
She further criticised what she described as unequal treatment within government, claiming that pressure appeared to be directed mainly at Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso while Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen had faced little accountability.
Mbatha praised Nyhontso for engaging with black farmers and attempting to address their concerns despite challenges within government structures.
The conflict intensified after media questions were sent to Mhlauli regarding ILF’s allegations. According to reports, Mhlauli expressed surprise at the criticism and pointed out that discussions between government officials and ILF had continued as recently as April.
In a WhatsApp message sent to Mbatha, Mhlauli reportedly questioned why the organisation had chosen to criticise the Presidency publicly before allowing the technical process to continue.
The disagreement later developed into a tense phone conversation between the two women.
Mbatha claimed she ended the call after Mhlauli failed to explain remarks accusing her of seeking attention.
“I am not seeking the attention she claims I want,” Mbatha reportedly said after the exchange.
“She could not explain what she meant and the discussion became unproductive.”
Mhlauli denied insulting Mbatha and dismissed suggestions that the disagreement reflected a breakdown in relations between government and black farmers.
She reportedly said government was dealing with larger national issues and that her office would respond formally to the concerns raised by ILF.
Despite the dispute, ILF said it remained committed to fighting for the demands submitted in January and would not be distracted by personal disagreements.
The organisation has now called on Deputy President Paul Mashatile to intervene directly and ensure that government fulfils the commitments made to black farmers.
ILF said the continued delays were deepening frustration among rural communities who expected urgent action after the Union Buildings march.
“Our focus remains on the suffering of black farmers and the communities that depend on them,” the organisation said.
“People deserve solutions and accountability, not insults and broken promises.”