Why John Steenhuisen Wants Farmers To Stay In South Africa

• John Steenhuisen explained why it’s crucial for farmers to remain in South Africa.
• The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader’s remarks followed Donald Trump's controversial statement.
• South Africans had mixed reactions to Steenhuisen's comments about farmers staying in the country.

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has highlighted the critical role farmers play not only in the nation but also in the broader economy. Speaking passionately about the importance of agriculture, Steenhuisen made it clear that these individuals are essential to the country’s future prosperity. Let’s dive deeper into what he said and why it matters.

During a meeting with commercial farmers in the Free State on February 8, 2025, Steenhuisen stressed the need for South Africa to value its agricultural sector. His comments came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump offered refuge to Afrikaners, claiming they were facing land confiscation and unfair treatment. While Trump’s claims were baseless, they ignited a heated discussion about the state of farming in South Africa.

Repairing Ties with the U.S. to Boost the Economy

In his speech, Steenhuisen urged the South African government to mend its relationship with the United States to ensure economic stability and growth. He argued that repairing ties would help protect the nation’s agricultural industry, which is vital to its GDP. Steenhuisen emphasized his desire for Afrikaans farmers to remain in the country, contributing to food security and economic development.

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"I want our Afrikaans farmers to stay in South Africa," Steenhuisen said. "They are key players in ensuring food security and driving the growth of our economy. That’s why I believe we must take steps to protect the rights of all South Africans—regardless of their race, language, or cultural background."

Reactions to Steenhuisen’s Statement: A Divided Nation

Steenhuisen’s comments stirred strong emotions on social media, with reactions ranging from agreement to outright opposition. Some praised his stance, while others questioned whether only Afrikaans farmers possess the skills needed for successful farming. Here’s a closer look at what people had to say:

Ratji Constandy commented:

"He’s absolutely right. Across the African continent, we lack black farmers because our leaders have failed to invest in training and equipping indigenous farmers. African leadership has let us down. Farming is the backbone of any nation, yet we’ve neglected it."

Musa Mgenge chimed in:

"I’m not entirely on board with what he’s saying, but I do agree that farmers are indispensable. Unfortunately, many Africans who regained land didn’t know how to use it effectively. Instead, they built informal settlements. As South Africans, we need to acknowledge that farming is complex and requires specialized knowledge. Comparing ancient practices to modern techniques just doesn’t make sense—things have changed dramatically."

Hester Constable added:

"Farming isn’t as simple as owning land. It’s about having the expertise to work the land properly. Zimbabwe serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when people receive land but lack the skills to farm it successfully."

Elijah Hlophe echoed similar sentiments:

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"That’s true. We can’t repeat the mistakes of neighboring countries like Zimbabwe, where government mismanagement led to widespread agricultural collapse."

On the flip side, Mpho Ndiene Raphulu questioned the narrative:

"Are we really saying we have to beg them to stay? Who said black people don’t know how to farm? There’s no reason why we can’t train and empower our own communities."

Sibusiso Sihle Mlangeni offered another perspective:

"Let’s not forget that commercial farming relies heavily on the labor of black men and women who work tirelessly every day. They deserve recognition and opportunities to own and manage these farms."

Lizzy Mogapi agreed:

"Black people are the backbone of the farming industry. They’ve been working the fields for generations. Why shouldn’t they own and benefit from the land they cultivate?"

Buti Budaza was more optimistic:

"We can produce skilled farmers of our own. If some choose to leave, let them go. We’ll focus on training new generations to take their place."

U.S. Executive Order for Afrikaners Sparks Controversy

Adding fuel to the fire, the United States government recently signed an executive order aimed at promoting the resettlement of Afrikaners. Signed by former President Donald Trump on February 7, 2025, the order accused the South African government of undermining U.S. foreign policy. According to the document, the executive action prioritizes humanitarian assistance for Afrikaners, granting them refugee status in the United States.

Briefly News reported that the order reflects ongoing tensions between the two nations over issues related to land reform and racial equality. While the U.S. move has sparked debate, it underscores the complexities surrounding land ownership and agricultural policy in South Africa today.