AfriForum declares annual farm attack day of remembrance
AfriForum chose the date to honour the memory of a two-year-old murdered during a Free State farm attack in 2010.
AfriForum, a South African organization, has declared December 1st as an annual day of remembrance for victims of farm attacks. This inaugural memorial day aims to honor the deceased and their families, drawing international attention to the ongoing violence against rural communities in South Africa. AfriForum hopes to see this day commemorated worldwide, calling for global solidarity.
The day will encourage wearing white clothing or a small white cross, and include a moment of silence at noon. The organization chose the date to honor Wilmien Potgieter, a two-year-old girl murdered in 2010 during a farm attack in the Free State. Her father was killed with a garden fork and panga, while her mother was shot dead in their home.
AfriForum's community safety spokesperson, Jacques Broodryk, emphasized that this day is about remembering the names and lives of those affected by farm violence, urging South Africans and the international community to take notice. Recent farm attacks in the North West province involved victims being tortured and maimed. AfriForum intends to take this matter international, a move previously criticized for potentially harming South Africa's international reputation.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) expressed concern about organizations presenting a distorted view of South Africa, but acknowledged that such organizations are free to seek international attention as long as it is done within the bounds of the law.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
