Chikankata white farmers in dispute

COMMENT - Were these commercial farmers Zambians or (Southern) Rhodesians?

Chikankata white farmers in dispute
By Henry Chibulu in Mazabuka
Tue 23 Oct. 2012, 12:50 CAT

CHIKANKATA district commissioner Sylvester Simayaba says he is disappointed with the negative attitude of white commercial farmers towards Independence Day celebration contributions in the newly-established district.

Simayaba complained in an interview in Mazabuka yesterday that one of the commercial farmers openly told him off and said farmers were not obliged to sponsor state functions because they were experiencing serious financial problems.

He said venting anger on a committee charged with the responsibility to scout for resources for Independence celebrations is shocking to the government.

He also observed that asking government officials to inspect farmers’ bank accounts to prove that they were going through financial problems, was not necessary.

Simayaba said cutting his telephone call during a conversation shows lack of respect for government officials by some commercial farmers, adding that such behaviour would not be entertained.

He said there was no need for the farmers to react in the manner they did because government was not forcing them to contribute but merely requesting them to supplement its financial efforts in hosting colourful celebrations.

“One of the commercial farmers told me off and cut on my phone after I registered my disappointment on his negative response towards the committee appointed to fundraise. These farmers must understand that we are not there to force them to contribute but merely requesting them to help and participate in the celebrations.

We expected those with serious financial problems to simply say we can do that next time. I am happy with the good response from farmers in Siavonga who have taken an active and leading role to fundraise for the Independence celebrations,” he said.

Simayaba said commercial farmers should not forget that their businesses were flourishing because of the political independence the country gained from its colonial masters in 1964.

He said the healthy security environment for their businesses was as a result of the government’s commitment to work closely with investors.

Simayaba however said the government would work closely with the commercial farmers despite their negative attitude in order to grow the agriculture sector because of the important role agriculture plays in the national economy.