Eviction threat leaves farm dwellers without a future

More than 100 people could find themselves homeless

- By Boitumelo Tshehle

A North West province-based pensioner who has lived and worked on a farm for more than 37 years with her family now faces the threat of eviction from the land she calls home. Basiame Louw, 74, said her husband and three of her children were buried there, and she hopes that when she dies, she will be buried close to them. She is one of more than 100 farm dwellers in Leliefontein outside Vryburg who are concerned about being evicted from the farm.

"I grew up on this farm, and I have a history with it. Some gravesites connect me to the history of this farm. In reality, it is my home," Louw said.

She uses crutches to walk due to what she said were long hours of standing while working.

This comes after the current farmer, Kevin Smithers, who they allege has been their employer for years, informed them that he is selling the property and that the new owners want them to leave.

"They [farm owner] didn’t pay me a cent for all those years. How am I supposed to start my life over at my age with my condition?" asked Louw.

Some of the farm dwellers said they simply cannot leave.