- EFF says people have been “divorced from their ancestors” by the farm’s access ban.
- Protesters marched to ZZ2 demanding that families be allowed to honour their dead.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have accused tomato giant ZZ2 of cruelty for blocking families from visiting the graves of their loved ones buried on the farm.
Thousands of protesters marched to the farm’s headquarters in Mooketsi, Limpopo on Friday, demanding an end to what they called a spiritual violation.
EFF provincial secretary Kgotatso Mogoane said the farm’s refusal to let people onto the land to visit family graves is tearing communities apart.
“People are now divorced from their ancestors, because Bertie van Zyl is denying people access to their family graves, and that must stop,” she said at the protest.
By law, anyone who wants to visit a known grave on private land must ask the landowner first. If there is already a written or verbal agreement in place, it must be respected. The landowner can set time limits but cannot block visits entirely.
EFF says ZZ2 is not following the law and is shutting families out.
The party gave ZZ2 seven working days to respond to its demands, including allowing grave visits and stopping the exploitation of black workers.
This is not the first time the EFF has taken on ZZ2. In 2020, under former provincial chairperson Jossey Buthane, the party also marched to the farm. That time they demanded fair wages and an end to rent charges for farm residents.
Friday’s protest began at the Mooketsi informal settlement on the R81. Protesters walked to the farm gate singing struggle songs and carrying placards demanding justice.
Pictured above: EFF supporters at ZZ2 protest over graves and workers’ rights.
Image source: Supplied
