The plight of women farmworkers: Abuse, neglect, and systemic slavery

IN a powerful and damning presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, the Commission on Gender Equality (CGE) this week laid bare the brutal conditions faced by women farmworkers across South Africa — revealing systemic gender-based violence, economic exploitation, poor living conditions, and institutional neglect.

The report, titled Experience of Women Farmworkers in South Africa, was presented before Parliament amid sharp criticism from legislators who demanded urgent action.

The meeting began with the CGE’s chairperson, Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, offering a formal apology for the commission’s late arrival due to flight cancellations. After technical difficulties were resolved, the CGE delivered a harrowing testimony that painted a grim picture of life on commercial farms, especially in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

“We are here to present the lived experiences of women farmworkers,” Sepanya-Mogale said. “Our role is not just to document — it’s to ensure that those in power act.”

Dr Dennis Matotoka, chief executive of the CGE, led the committee through the findings, which revealed that women farmworkers continued to face layered and intersecting challenges rooted in apartheid-era legacies, structural inequality, patriarchy, and gender-based discrimination.

Despite their critical role in agriculture, many are subjected to exploitative working conditions, economic insecurity, and unsafe environments. “Women are still being treated as second-class citizens on farms,” Matotoka stated. “They work long hours under harsh conditions, often without basic rights like maternity leave or access to toilets in the fields.”

The research focused on fresh crops, dairy, and horticulture farms across four provinces — KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, and the Western Cape — and involved interviews with 97 women farmworkers. Though small in number, the study was qualitative, aiming to capture the depth of personal experiences rather than statistical prevalence.

“Even if only five people out of 100 000 farms had experienced rape, we would still have a duty to intervene,” Advocate Sepanya-Mogale said. “Our job is to protect them, reverse the harm, and hold duty bearers accountable.”

ANC Member Siviwe Davids, herself from a rural background, did not mince words: “Many of the farms in Franschhoek are owned by foreigners — Europeans and Americans — not African nationals. These foreign farm owners are treating our workers as modern-day slaves.”

She described how disobedient workers could be evicted violently, sometimes with roofs removed or belongings thrown into the streets. “If they can’t pay rent for their children to live with them on the farm, they’re told to send them away — even if they’re currently in school,” she said. “This is happening daily in the Western Cape.”

DA MP Wouter Aucamp echoed concerns about the lack of enforcement mechanisms: “Farm workers are charged for electricity, denied basic sanitation, and forced to live in deplorable conditions. And yet, farmers receive no subsidies for improving infrastructure. We need targeted government support to improve housing and facilities on farms.”

MK Party representative Andile Mngxitama, born and raised on a farm, spoke emotionally about the identity of “farm workers” itself: “The very definition of ‘farm worker’ is the problem. It traps people in a condition of sustained slavery. You don’t own land, you don’t own your time, and you live under constant surveillance.”

He highlighted how farm evictions disproportionately affected women, often leaving them homeless with children. He also pointed to widespread child labour on farms — more than 70% of which occurs in agriculture — despite laws prescribing up to five years in prison for offenders. “Are any farmers being convicted for this?” he asked. “Or do we just write reports and move on?”

EFF MP Mr Mbuyiseni Montwedi recalled an oversight visit where workers were deducted UIF contributions — but never received benefits. “One worker found out after being fired that no UIF payments had ever been made. Deductions were fraudulently listed on payslips,” he said. “And when we tried to inspect farms, some farmers refused us entry.”

Despite existing policies and legal frameworks, the CGE found that implementation remains weak. “Gender-inclusive agricultural policies exist, but enforcement is lacking,” Matotoka said. “Women are denied land ownership, training, and resources, limiting their ability to improve productivity and achieve independence.”

ANC Member Nomvula Ndalane expressed concern over internal reporting of sexual harassment: “Why aren’t these cases being reported to the police? Why is violence handled internally, allowing perpetrators to go unpunished?”

Sindi Lucas, also of the ANC, praised the CGE’s proactive engagement with Parliament but questioned whether recommendations would ever reach organised agriculture. “Have farm owners seen these findings? Are there follow-up mechanisms in place? If not, what’s the point of reporting if nothing changes?”

Sepanya-Mogale urged legislators to take responsibility: “We are here to say — let’s join hands. You have the legislative power. Change the laws. Our recommendations are not binding — we need Parliament to make them so.”

The CGE is currently appealing to the Supreme Court of Appeal alongside the SA Human Rights Commission to strengthen its authority. But until then, the Commission’s recommendations remain “soft” — easily ignored by farm owners. “You are the ones who must change the law,” she said. “We cannot do it alone.”

The Chief Director of Sector Transformation within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development confirmed that current policies focused on transforming the farmer base, not protecting farm workers. “Our mandate is about integrating women, youth, and persons with disabilities into farming — not about labour conditions,” he said.

When pressed on why the department couldn’t provide a database of farmers or assist the CGE with identifying violators, he offered no clear answer. “The department must be reminded again,” said chairperson Dina Pule. “If you can’t account for farmers, you’ll never be able to account for farm workers.”

As the meeting adjourned, members expressed deep concern over the persistent plight of women farmworkers — and frustration at the lack of real progress. “We’ve known about these issues for decades,” said Trollip of ActionSA. “What will it take for us to finally act?”

The CGE has called for immediate collaboration between Parliament, the Department of Labour, Cogta, and civil society to fast-track implementation of its eight key recommendations — including land reform, legal protections, and improved access to education and health services for farm dwellers. “This isn’t about charity,” Sepanya-Mogale said. “It’s about dignity. It’s about humanity. It’s about justice.”

For now, the ball lies firmly in the court of Parliament and the Executive. How swiftly and seriously they respond may determine whether future reports will reflect real change, or more of the same suffering.