Farm labourers paid with govt food parcels – Sioka
Minister plans to investigate claims of abuse
Gender equality and social welfare minister Doreen Sioka has warned that the continued abuse of marginalised communities could lead to revolt.
Gender equality and social welfare minister Doreen Sioka yesterday accused farm owners of paying farmworkers who hail from marginalised communities with food parcels and state grants.
Sioka alleged that farm owners collect food parcels and grants on behalf of workers from marginalised communities and use this state-provided assistance as part of their compensation, a practice she believes must be stopped.
She further alleged that people from marginalised communities are treated like “donkeys”.
Investigate claims
As a result, Sioka announced her plans to visit areas where marginalised communities work as farm labourers to investigate if their needs are being adequately addressed.
"It is so painful. Marginalised people are suffering more than anyone, to tell you the truth," Sioka said during an event at Kavango East region’s Mashare constituency yesterday.
She said they are treated like “our donkeys”.
"I will come with a big delegation to all areas where the marginalised people are, especially farmers who own them. They (farm owners) go to my ministry and collect their parcels, and later tell them that this is your salary," she claimed.
"How can you get government food and pay somebody, and that food is entitled to that person? It should not happen."
"I come with my delegation and visit all those farms where marginalised people are... and I want to see their conditions. They should give them shelter also because they are looking after their cattle, chickens and cleaning their houses."
Revolution
Sioka said the struggle for Namibia’s independence was a result of people being tired of being oppressed; hence, she warned that the marginalised community will revolt one day if they continue to be abused.
"These marginalised people – we are abusing them," she said.
"One day, these people will revolt. Underestimate them; one day they will revolt. One day, they will free themselves. One day we will be under them, and if we mistreat them, expect that. Even your child will suffer."
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Sioka alleged that farm owners collect food parcels and grants on behalf of workers from marginalised communities and use this state-provided assistance as part of their compensation, a practice she believes must be stopped.
She further alleged that people from marginalised communities are treated like “donkeys”.
Investigate claims
As a result, Sioka announced her plans to visit areas where marginalised communities work as farm labourers to investigate if their needs are being adequately addressed.
"It is so painful. Marginalised people are suffering more than anyone, to tell you the truth," Sioka said during an event at Kavango East region’s Mashare constituency yesterday.
She said they are treated like “our donkeys”.
"I will come with a big delegation to all areas where the marginalised people are, especially farmers who own them. They (farm owners) go to my ministry and collect their parcels, and later tell them that this is your salary," she claimed.
"How can you get government food and pay somebody, and that food is entitled to that person? It should not happen."
"I come with my delegation and visit all those farms where marginalised people are... and I want to see their conditions. They should give them shelter also because they are looking after their cattle, chickens and cleaning their houses."
Revolution
Sioka said the struggle for Namibia’s independence was a result of people being tired of being oppressed; hence, she warned that the marginalised community will revolt one day if they continue to be abused.
"These marginalised people – we are abusing them," she said.
"One day, these people will revolt. Underestimate them; one day they will revolt. One day, they will free themselves. One day we will be under them, and if we mistreat them, expect that. Even your child will suffer."
[email protected]
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