Dr Corné Mulder, leader of the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus), commended the Springbokvlakte Sunflower Project, where farmers literally and figuratively put their hands to the plough for rural safety, as an excellent example of what can be achieved when farmers and communities stand together.
Mulder, who is currently undertaking a nationwide tour in the run-up to the local government elections to personally engage with communities at grass-roots level, was one of the guest speakers at the Project’s gala event on Friday, 4 September.
He attended the event accompanied by, among others, Limpopo’s provincial Police Commissioner, Gen. Jan Scheepers, as well as Henry Geldenhuys and Bennie van Zyl of TLU SA.
The Springbokvlakte Sunflower Project is an innovative, farmer-driven initiative. Participating farmers plant sunflowers on designated trial blocks, after which the proceeds from the harvest are ploughed directly back into rural safety.
Funds are used for security cameras, patrol vehicles, drones and other safety measures. At the same time, the project also serves as a practical development platform for young farmers.
Dr Mulder told the farmers that he feels at home “on the land, among his people”. He said it is characteristic of farmers not to wait for someone else to solve a problem, but to take the responsibility upon themselves and make plans – exactly what South Africa needs.
He emphasised that rural safety is a priority and mentioned engagement on the topic during recent visits to the United States. He expressed his willingness to boost the existing safety initiatives and to facilitate collaboration between the relevant role players.
The Freedom Front Plus regards the project as an inspiring example of communities that employ their own resourcefulness and initiative to ensure their safety and protect their future.
