Reality check from an Afrikaans farmer part 2.

To my fellow South Africans:

I am creating a new post because what I would like to say, I do not want to get lost in the comments of my previous post.

I am truly humbled by each and every reply I got from the original post, both negative and positive. I wish I’ve done this a long time ago in order to better understand the perspective of different ethnic and cultural groups. For the first time, I gained a truly in depth perspective and a much better understanding of the issues at hand. I thought I had it figured out, but I was so wrong.

First of all, on behalf of all the South African Afrikaans white farmers who feels the same way I do (unfortunately I cannot speak for everyone), I would like to apologize to all the different ethnic groups who has experienced injustices at the hands of our fathers. We acknowledge that Apartheid was wrong. And we are sorry for that. In the same breath I would like to pledge our commitment to help right the wrongs of the past by doing our part in uplifting impoverished communities, starting with our farm workers, so that we can once and for all move on from the past and together, build a better, equal future for everyone. Let’s make Nelson Mandela’s vision a reality.

We have an extremely complicated history, but that is just it. History. We cannot change the past, but let’s learn from it. Let us not repeat the wrongs and let us focus on the good, there is so much of it. Please allow us to do what we are absolutely passionate about, farming. Allow us to secure the most important resource for our growing nation, food. Allow us to help you (everyone reading this) build this beautiful country and great nation to its full potential. We love South Africa as much as any warm blooded South African.

I will say again, I am a farmer. Not a politician and some people called me out on my previous post that I am not doing my part. This is it.

This is our pledge. I truly hope it will be good enough. I know this is just words. But give us time to prove our commitment in actions.

A proudly (not so much concerned anymore) South African farmer.

Ps. Please ignore the extremists and don’t allow them to upset you.