Activist walks SA to protest farm attacks
Petrus Sitho left a job in 2018 to speak out about farm murders and has walked hundreds of kilometres.
Activist Petrus Sitho has walked hundreds of kilometres across South Africa to protest farm attacks, including a 129km walk from Frankfort to Memel in the Free State. Sitho left a well-paid job in 2018, feeling called to speak out about farm murders after growing up on a farm in Bultfontein. He has described himself on Facebook as a digital creator aiming to make a difference.
Sitho’s activism intensified after he was dismissed from his job in 2020 for travelling to Senekal to support farmers following the murder of Brendin Horner. He has interviewed survivors and claims to be the first activist to travel around South Africa interviewing farmers and farm workers. Sitho has also stated he was the first activist to debate a petition on farm killings in Parliament.
The activist's campaigns have led to death threats and an assault outside the Union Buildings in 2018. Sitho has openly criticised the government, writing an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa stating he does not believe the president cares about farm killings. He recently asked the public to fund a trip to the United States to present his cause to US President Donald Trump.
Why it mattersPetrus Sitho is protesting farm attacks, which directly affect farmers and rural communities in South Africa.