Forgotten People

11/19/2009.  Caledon, South Africa.

A small house a humble home

Mnr. Arnoldus Plaatjies and his wife Alithea van Breda lived  in a humble home on a farm near Caledon in the Western Cape South Africa.

During 2009 the farming communities in the Western Cape were once again under the Human Rghts spotlight. Many stories were published about the poor living conditions some of the farmworkers on farms are living in and questions were raised about farmers and their treatment of their workers.

Althea Plaatjies in her kitchen

Mr. Plaatjies fell terminially ill on a farm and his elderly wife, Alithea van Breda had to resign from her job to nurse her partner.

At the time of my visit to the elderly couple the farmer had threatened to forcefully remove the couple and leave them to live on the street. Mr. Plaatjies has not received any medical treament and lived withou water and electricity. The house is torn and the elderly couple is left to fend the ellements and extreme conditions they are living in.

Althea van Breda and her husband who is terminally ill

Arnoldus Plaatjies

Upon my visit I was made aware of the poor conditions some of the farm labours in the Western Cape are facing everyday. Somehow being made aware of this and making the mental notes inspired this ongoing project. I visit many farms and many poor communities everyday as we go and document events, stories and people. I am meeting and spending time with many people that are forgotten.

Sadly, three days after our visit Mr. Plaatjies passed away.