TimesLIVE reports that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) premier Sihle Zikalala said at the weekend that ongoing tensions between farmers and workers was endemic in many parts of the province.

In a bid to address strained relations, Zikalala engaged with farming communities in Pongolo, Vryheid and Newcastle over two days, including meeting with a family whose home was allegedly demolished by a farmer in Glückstadt. The main aim was to hear what challenges farm workers and dwellers were facing, to improve relations between them and farmers and to outline accountability approaches taken by government in addressing reported human rights violations and abuses within the farming communities. Among the burning issues raised by communities was the alleged abuse by farm owners and police bias against the community and in favour of the farmers. Addressing hundreds of farm dwellers and workers in the northern KZN farming district of Normandien on Sunday, Zikalala said he supported a call by the farming community for a commission of inquiry into their concerns. Following the engagements, Zikalala established a cabinet committee to address the issues raised. The committee will meet monthly and report back to the community every three months. Newly appointed provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been tasked with dealing with grievances relating to the police.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Suthentira Govender at TimesLIVE

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