The meeting is expected to address issues around safety on farms, land reform and food security. ANC Provincial Executive Committee member, Neels van Rooyen, says the meeting was arranged by the party, not Government.

“The event came about as a result of a request by the minority group within the ANC for an opportunity for white farmers to have an opportunity to meet and have a discussion, dialogue, with the President on farming issues, agriculture issues.

“So the request came from within the ANC and not from the President himself.”

Van Rooyen has also emphasised that the meeting has been paid for by the political party. He says all white farmers are invited to attend but space is limited and RSVP's are necessary. He says questions will be allowed if time permits.

The meeting takes place at Emoya Estate in Bloemfontein at 7am on Saturday morning. Van Rooyen says anyone is welcome to attend but space is limited. Contact Johan van Niekerk on 082-729-6333 if you are interested in attending.

Meanwhile, organised agriculture in the province has said it is not going to manage requests for attendance of the event. Free State Agriculture (FSA) CEO, Henk Vermeulen, says it is an open invitation and any individual is welcome to attend in a personal capacity.

He says FSA follows an apolitical policy and therefore does not participate in rallies organised by any political party, be it the ANC, Democratic Alliance or any other.

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