ARAC INFORMATION
21 May 2010
Dear Farmer,
Greetings from an invigorated ARAC Team! Last night we attended the Robin Banks motivational seminar. The man is a born comedian who manages to portray some very useful life empowering information in a thoroughly entertaining way. Clearly the power of thought and our ability to select what we do with our minds has an important impact on how we live and experience life. We are sure many shall be testing the material in the coming months; no doubt some lives will change! We have a choice, it’s not the situation… it’s what we do about it! The ARAC team remains focused and determined to make a difference.
On 13th May a combined group from CFU, ARAC and Valcon visited Marondera for a briefing with farmers. The meeting was attended by a group of around twenty farmers and their wives. Those present were able to see for themselves the detailed Valcon presentation on the way that their data base in support of farm valuations is built up.
The same presentation was made to a group of around twenty ambassadors the previous week and all were impressed by the considerable detail and professional way it has been put together. We are grateful to those who have called through our office and assisted us in filling some of the gaps on the data base. The maps in our office are rapidly becoming out of date, however they are there for anyone interested to come and view and add to. Each week the process is becoming more accurate and complete and together with the Valcon arrangement with CFU, will enable the compensation agenda to move forward effectively. We have had feedback from farmers following on from the meeting and we hope to get out into the districts and visit more farmers.
Last week we promised to give more detailed information on V P Louis Fick’s report on the SA nationals who were or are farming in Zimbabwe.
Willie Spies of Afriforum and VP Louis Fick were invited to SA Foreign Affairs for a meeting to find a way forward. The Chief Director Consular and his legal team were briefed on SA court cases, SADC, BIPPA and registration of SADC ruling in the High Court SA and on status and details of the affected SA Nationals and the current position summarized as follows:
1) Regarding 441 SA Nationals of whom 53% are over the age of 60 – requested pension, medical and housing.
2) Compensation – 10 years down the line. This needs to be addressed. Requested official engagements – SA farmers, Zimbabwe government, and SA government to start the negotiations for compensation for SA Nationals. Mention was made of the CFU Agricultural Recovery Plan and continuing action to sell GOZ property in SA.
3) Requested support for members still farming and the need to enjoy the protection offered by the BIPPA.
4) Requested a delegation from SA to come to Zimbabwe to meet with farmers to get firsthand information on situation.
5) Requested a meeting with one of the SA negotiators dealing with the GNU.
The meeting with SA Foreign Affairs was very positive on all of the above points and commitments and action to be taken on them was assured. A delegation will fly to Zimbabwe shortly to meet with the group. Special thanks were made to Willie Spies who attended the meeting in spite of a family bereavement.
Till next week.
The ARAC Team.