On Tuesday morning, traditional tributes were paid to the victims of farm murders in a sombre manner. (Photo: Elisma van der Watt/ Maroela Media)
The death of one farmer, whether it is a small farmer, mega farmer or farmer’s wife, leaves a big void and has a bigger impact on South Africans than people realise. One farm murder is one too many.
So says Riana Claassens associated with the Hennenman farmers’ association, after another 24 names were added to the Wall of Remembrance this year during the Nampo Harvest Day outside Bothaville.
On Tuesday morning, traditional tributes were paid to the victims of farm murders in a sombre manner. This memorial wall, erected in 1998 by the Hennenman farmers’ association, is made of ironstone with a black granite panel on which the names are affixed, in memory of those who have died in farm attacks since 31 May 1961.
The center of the memorial consists of three columns connected to depict a family – the father, mother and child – who are often killed together in a farm attack.
The center of the memorial consists of three columns connected to depict a family – the father, mother and child – who are often killed together in a farm attack. (Photo: Elisma van der Watt/ Maroela Media)
According to the latest statistics for the period from 1 March 2025 to 28 February this year, six farm murders were recorded in Gauteng, followed by three murders each in the Eastern Cape, North West and KwaZulu-Natal. No farm murders were recorded in the Northern Cape during this period.
Carolina Frederika Dicks is one of the victims whose name is engraved in this wall. She was murdered in June last year in her home on her small holding in Kameeldrift-Oos. Her vehicle and several other items were looted during the incident.
(Photo: Elisma van der Watt/ Maroela Media)
Claassens says she prays for fewer farm attacks and murders, but the list keeps getting longer every year.
“Murdered farmers often take care of more people outside the family who also suffer from the murder. Every year I pray for fewer attacks and murders and my heart breaks with each new name that is recorded. The sad, but grateful mother or grandmother or grandchild who hears their loved one’s name is immortalized on the Wall of Remembrance, is only a small consolation. It is a sad task, but let us never forget the names of these murdered farmers.”
(Photo: Elisma van der Watt/ Maroela Media)
Rev. Laurie Naudé, pastor of the NG congregation Meyerhof on Bothaville, opened the event with a wreath-laying at the Wall of Remembrance followed by Scripture reading and prayer.
Dozens of festival-goers looked visibly upset on Tuesday morning at the list of names from the nine provinces.