Modise must account for cruelty on her farm

Thandi Modise, the former premier of North West and the current chairman of the National Council of Provinces, should be investigated by the police for the animal cruelty that took place at her farm Modderfontein, outside Potchefstroom.

The SPCA has discovered scores of dead animals on Modise's farm. The animals died of thirst and hunger - having not been fed for months. Reports indicate the SPCA discovered 58 dead pigs, and a number of surviving pigs that were forced to cannibalise the carcasses to survive.

The SPCA also found a number of goats, chickens and geese that died of hunger.

The chaos on the farm has escalated in the last few days.

Since the media started reporting on the issue, farm workers have been attempting to burn the remaining carcasses. They caused a veld fire that damaged surrounding farms in the process.

Modise has violated sections 1(b), 1(c) and 1(e) of the Animal Protection Act. Pending the outcome of an investigation, she could be sentenced to 12 months in jail, which would disqualify her from her current position.

The cruelty exhibited on this farm is unacceptable and Modise should account for what happened. I will submit charges at the local police station today to ensure a full investigation is conducted.

Chris Hattingh MPL, DA Leader in North West

A report stated that 82 dead animals were recently discovered on a farm belonging to Thandi Modise.

Apparently the animals were left unattended without food and water, and the SPCA obtained a court interdict to seize those still alive.

Despite Modise saying she was "traumatised", this is precisely what the future of farming holds for South Africans should the ANC and the government proceed with the Land Reform Bill, which was recently passed in parliament.

Until the government and its allies (the unions) learn that one cannot place unqualified people to do the job at hand, the enterprises they run will always fail.

Nathan Cheiman, Northcliff