Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

AfriForum plays important role during severe weather conditions in Matzikama

AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches in the Matzikama area, which form part of the Vredendal branch, stepped in without hesitation on 11 May when the Olifants River’s water levels began rising due to the stormy weather conditions. Neighbourhood watch members quickly joined forces as an integrated team to evacuate residents from low-lying areas along the river.

For decades, the Olifants River has been a lifeline for agriculture along its banks, but on this occasion extraordinary rises in water levels quickly turned into a threat. Water levels rose dangerously and began flowing over roads, necessitating immediate safety interventions.

AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches closed critical roads to protect motorists and heavy vehicles from danger and repeatedly issued warnings to avoid certain routes. Despite this, some drivers underestimated the risk. A tanker truck was shortly afterwards swept away by floodwater in what is normally a dry riverbed. The two occupants of the truck were rescued and brought to safety.

Meanwhile, assistance from the Matzikama Local Municipality’s disaster management division was also called in. Cooperation during emergencies is of vital importance and good relations with local government are to everyone’s benefit. Despite this, AfriForum’s neighbourhood and farm watches continued working tirelessly, even though many members’ own farms and fields had started flooding.

Days later, the Olifants River’s water levels were still rising. Farming communities between Klawer and Vredendal, as well as the greater Vredendal community, were temporarily isolated from the outside world due to the floodwaters. The farm watch implemented logistical plans to deliver emergency supplies, including drinking water and basic food products, to stranded residents, while farming equipment was used to divert floodwater and limit further damage to infrastructure.

By Friday, 15 May, conditions had started stabilising. No fatalities were reported, which is a remarkable achievement given the scale of the disaster. The damage to agricultural land and infrastructure is, however, extensive. The three main routes providing access to Vredendal were also closed after bridges were washed away or severely damaged and, in some cases, could only be opened to pedestrians.

According to Eric van Zyl, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Vredendal branch, this disaster clearly demonstrated how crucial targeted training and the regular practising of contingency plans are for any community. When planning is done in advance and every role-player understands their responsibility, communities can act effectively and, in doing so, save lives.

The events in the Matzikama area serve as a powerful example of community cooperation, self-organisation and perseverance during a time of severe crisis.