Cape Forum demands HRC to intervene on behalf of West Coast farm residents

The civil rights organisation Cape Forum made an urgent appeal to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to assist employees and residents of a farm on the West Coast. Cape Forum has received information that the new owner of the farm Modderrivier, outside Yzerfontein, is apparently trying to drive the people off the farm. They obtained permanent residency earlier.

The owner, a high-profile businessman from the Cape, reportedly first cut off the water and power supply to residents’ homes. Meanwhile, a wooden bridge, by which residents (some of whom are elderly) gain access to their church and school, was also maliciously destroyed. Six families, including an 83-year-old resident, are affected by this action.

Heindrich Wyngaard, Executive Chairperson of Cape Forum, says: “Any case where people are on the receiving end of inhumane treatment must be shouted from the rooftops, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a white, coloured or black landowner. We have sent an urgent letter addressed to Advocate André Gaum of the South African Human Rights Commission today to request that the commission investigate the matter quickly.”

Cape Forum will monitor the situation and consider legal action against the owner if the matter is not settled as desired.

Get involved today and help make a difference. Send an email to info@capeforum.co.za or join www.capeforum.co.za.