Cape Times reports that Simondium Guest Lodge has denied that evictions took place at its premises, even though one of the farmworkers is now sleeping outside the structure he had been occupying for years.  

A man, who did not identify himself but said he was responding on behalf of lodge owner Elsabe Rabe, vehemently denied any evictions, saying no notices were given to any farmworkers on Friday as reported.  “No evictions took place on Friday.  No notices were given to anyone on the premises.  This is not a farm, but a commercial property.  As a result, we have never employed farmworkers,” an email response read.  Women On Farms Project co-director Carmen Louw said Rabe’s denial that evictions took place “is a lie”.  Louw went on to state:  “There is a farm evictions crisis which the government is simply not taking seriously.  Every day, across the country, farm dwellers are being evicted - sometimes legally, but often illegally.  Farm dwellers are calling for an urgent moratorium on farm evictions.  (Then) deputy president Ramaphosa gave such an undertaking to farm dwellers in 2014.  Now that you are president, deliver on your promise.”

• Read this report by Chevon Booysen in full at Cape Times

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