It is estimated that there are between 30,000 and 50,000 commercial farmers in South Africa. The majority of these are white farmers. According to the 2011 census, the percentage of white people in South Africa is 9.2%. This means that the number of white farmers in South Africa is quite small in comparison to the overall population.
However, despite their small numbers, white farmers play a vital role in the South African economy. They produce a large percentage of the country’s food and are responsible for a significant amount of export earnings. In addition, many white farmers are involved in agri-tourism, which is a growing sector of the tourism industry.
The South African government has made a commitment to support and protect the rights of white farmers. In recent years, there have been a number of initiatives to help white farmers maintain their land and livelihoods. These include the provision of financial assistance, training and development programmes, and security measures.
The South African government recognises the important contribution that white farmers make to the economy and society, and is committed to ensuring that they are able to continue farming in South Africa.
In 2019, the South African government released data showing that there were 4,495 white commercial farmers in the country. This is a significant decrease from the 11,262 farmers that were recorded in 1991. The decline is attributed to a number of factors, including the expropriation of land without compensation, violence and crime, and the general economic decline of the country.
South Africa is a country with a complex history, and the issue of land ownership is a sensitive and controversial topic. The majority of the country’s land is owned by white people, who make up less than 10% of the population. This has led to calls for the government to expropriate land without compensation, in order to redress the imbalances of the past.
The government has been reluctant to do this, as it fears that it would lead to economic chaos and further social divisions. However, the pressure for change is growing, and it is possible that the government will eventually be forced to act.
In the meantime, the number of white farmers in South Africa continues to decline. This is not only due to the political and economic conditions in the country, but also to the increasing levels of violence and crime. Many farmers have been attacked, raped, and murdered, and many have simply given up and left the country.
The decline in the number of white farmers in South Africa is a complex issue, with no easy solutions. It is a problem that has been caused by a long history of injustice and inequality, and it will take time and effort to resolve.
