Times Of Swaziland: FARMERS STAGE VIGIL, FIGHT OVER FARM INPUTS

FARMERS STAGE VIGIL, FIGHT OVER FARM INPUTS
================================================================================
BY SIBUSISO SHANGE on 05/12/2017 01:06:00


MOTSHANE – Distribution of farm inputs was delayed as farmers turned violent
at Motshane RDA yesterday.
The violence started when a group of farmers, who spent the night at the gate,
demanded that they be given first preference during the distribution.
The farmers, from the five constituencies that are serviced by Motshane RDA,
decided to sleep at the gate after it turned out that there were no
distributions on Sunday as they were made to believe. The constituencies include
Lobamba, Hhukwini, Motshane, Nkhaba and Maphalaleni.
Those who were found with blankets said they did not spend the night at the gate
for fun, but it was as a result of transport shortage in their areas such as
Sigangeni, Bhikini, Maphalaleni and Dlangeni.
“We spent the night here because we were worried that we might miss the
opportunity if we returned home last night (Sunday). The sole reason we spent
the night here was because we wanted to get our ration and leave early today,”
said some elderly found at the gate.
In a bid to harmonise the situation, the Members of Parliament (MPs), and
Bucopho present, held an impromptu meeting with those who were in charge of the
distribution. The MPs present at the distribution were Menzi Dlamini, Phesheya
Hlatshwayo, Saladin Magagula and Mabulala Maseko.
The resolution taken during the meeting was that the distribution should be done
according to the order of registration and payments.
This was after an argument that lasted for about two hours outside the gate,
where the farmers surrounded the truck that was carrying the fertilizer. Police
officers were also present to monitor the situation.