The Agricultural Employers’ Association strongly reacted against statements made last Friday by Asser Hendricks and Evilastus Kaaronda of the Namibia Farmworkers’ Union (Nafwu). The two men allegedly public ally accused white farmers of "exploiting" black farm workers who they alleged were "maltreated." The duo even mentioned Mr R.D. Ritter as owner of apparently several farms who did not "do much for his country." On behalf of the AEA its vice-chairman Dirk Sobotta issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday urging the 2 Nafwu officials to stick to the truth.

The AEA takes note of the serious allegations and said that the Namibia Agricultural Labour Forum which was established for the purpose of discussing labour related issues in the sector was obstructed by Nafwu when their delegation walked out of the minimum wage negotiations in May this year. Since then Nafwu follows the destructive route and hits the press with emotional and questionable facts.

The statement continues:

1. The „survey" that the union refers to is in our opinion only a singular incident and does not represent a broader picture.

2. Furthermore, the AEA would like to stress once again that the agreement on minimum wages is based on a N$ 2,20 cash wage per hour, and only at full employment a N$ 429 cash wage per month has to be paid.

3. Mr Ritter, who is a member of the AEA and was pertinently named by Mr Hendricks, does not own all the said farms as can be seen in his attached statement.

4. As to the „opinion" of Nafwu that Mr Ritter is not doing much for the country and its people, we would like to emphasize that Mr Ritter is running a large cattle business that produces meat of excellence for the export market to Europe. He also manages a hunting and guest farm. If creating job opportunities and earning foreign exchange for the country are „not doing much for his country and its people" then it makes one wonder what in Nafwu‘s opinion you have to do to be recognized.

5. Mr Ritter‘s employees are earning wages double the minimum require-ments and are living in brick houses that have electricity, showers and toilets. A total of 24 workers are permanently employed and are living with their families on the farm which brings the total to 82 people. During elections, the workers were trans-ported with various vehicles to the registration- and election points at the cost of the employer. Is this the brutal treatment that Nafwu refers to?

6. The problems that farm workers face to obtain „national documents" can certainly not be laid on the doorsteps of farmers - in fact, daily queries and complaints are lodged by ouir members that workers do not have identity documents which creates numerous problems. Certainly no employer will do the effort to try and solve the problem regarding the obtaining of documents and on the other hand prohibit workers to get them.

7. The fact that Nafwu constantly throw up unproven accusations and allegations at the commercial farmers and using farm workers for their own political gain are becoming stale and are definitely not contributing to peace and stability in the country.

The AEA invites the NaFWU to help re-activate NALF which was put in place and encouraged by Government to discuss and negotiate matters that are important to both employers and employees in the agricultural sector.

Signed by Dirk Sobotta, Vice-Chairman, AEA.