18 March 2004
The Young Communist League (YCL) is disturbed by reports that most farmers would not allow Political Parties to campaign in their Farms. We believe that this is a serious disregard of the constitutional rights of all citizens to mobilize and organize freely in the country, and to choose their government.
We have noted in recent times escalating arrogance on the part of farmers who seek to undermine the ANC government, and the constitution of the country. They have subjected children to exploitative labor, in the name of profits, and continue to deny young people access to education.
We know that this farms have been dispossessed from our people in the past, and as the YCL will continue to campaign for the farm redistribution and change of ownership into the hands of the people.
We are not shocked that other political Parties like the DA and FF+ are quite on this matter, because thy know that the stance as taken by the farmers, benefits them. We will not be shocked if they are found to be behind this.
The YCL will continue to mobilize our forces and allies to fight farm brutality and terror as advanced by the farmers, and will also fight for the ultimate equal ownership of the land. This remains our land.
Issued by the Young Communist League National SecretaryButi Manamela/ Cell: 082 222 5474/ Tel: 011 339 3622