Impasse in talks between Sundays River Valley workers and farmers
The farmworker strike in the Sundays River Valley region persists, as negotiations between workers and farmers ended without an agreement on Thursday, as reported by Zanele Matiwane, an attorney representing the farmworkers. While some progress was made, all demands were not met.
Matiwane stated, "The results will be discussed with the community, who will decide their next steps: continue striking or not. The next meeting with farmers is scheduled for Tuesday, 10 May."
Previously, South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) led negotiations, but workers now have a workers' forum to represent them.
Dr. Hennie Ehlers, chairperson of the Sundays River Valley Citrus Producers' Forum, highlighted that most farmworkers already earn above the minimum wage due to incentives offered by farmers. "Growers cannot afford to pay any more," he emphasized.