Black Forum South Africa held a Public Lecture at the University of South Africa to commemorate the 1959 protest against slave-like labour conditions for Black workers on potato farms.
The event aimed to remember how workers were expected to work long hours on farms in extreme weather conditions, receiving subsistence rations and slave wages.
The brutality of this system was exposed and later received wide publicity and led to a successful potato boycott nationwide.
The 64th Commemoration will raise awareness about farmworkers’ exploitation and farm communities across the country. This is according to Black Forum South Africa CEO Advocate Kgagudi Morota.
“A majority of black farming communities are located on white-owned farms, where white farmers restrict their fundamental freedoms.”
“The cause of this is the fact that these people have lived on these farms for a long period, so they can regulate people’s behavior and disregard the rule of law. Said Morota
The lecture was successful, although mixed emotions were expressed in Black Forum South Africa’s comments. In response to Fikile’s address, some praised him while others pointed out the ANC’s failures. Many fundamental rights are restricted to white farmers.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said that the 1959 potato boycott is one of the proudest moments in our history as we united to defeat apartheid.
The boycott represents a proud moment in our history when we united to defeat the oppressive apartheid regime, the boycott’s success was a significant landmark in our liberation struggle,” said Mbalula.
As Mbalula continued, there are some Blacks who do not think straight when they are voted into power. We are oppressed by the whites despite their fewer votes. When elected, they are united and think straight.
Farm workers are abused by their owners and paid meager wages. It is not uncommon for them to deliberately kill them if they fail.
“The purpose of this lecture is to reflect on farm killings, working conditions, and terrorizing farm communities,” Mbalula said.
