Communities cry foul over Zuma funds

DESPITE millions of rands being pumped into President Jacob Zuma ’ s Masibambisane agricultural project by the Eastern Cape government, some rural communities are yet to benefit.

To date, R250-million has been pumped into the project by the Eastern Cape government, according to comments by then MEC Zoleka Capa in an interview.

Villagers of Tanga near Butterworth are fighting over the project as only a few are allegedly benefiting.

In other areas in the province like Chalumna and King William ’ s Town, not a single known project benefits.

Since 2009, the province has been part of Masibambisane to assist with massive food projects.

“We are working in the Eastern Cape and the project is doing fine but for further comments the provincial agricultural department should assist you as they are managing the projects that side,” said Sibusiso Mzobe, the national deputy chair of Masibambisane.

But Eastern Cape rural development spokesman Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha said they were not working with Masibambisane on any project.

“We receive no funding from them and we never funded them,” said Sicwetsha.

Mzobe said he was also aware of the fights but “those are people who want this project not to succeed ”.

In Tanga village in Butterworth, a senior government official, Mathemba Gcasamba, was accused of allegedly keeping some of the farming resources at his house. When contacted by Sowetan ’ s sister publication Dispatch, Gcasamba refused to comment.

In a recent legislature session, the DA ’ s Veliswa Mvenya asked MEC for rural development and agrarian reform Mlibo Qoboshiyane if he was informed of the alleged delivery to the private residence of individuals in Tanga.

Qoboshiyane said he was not aware of the delivery of tractors to private residences. “However in the past, tractors and implements were provided to traditional leaders and deserving co-ops in the affected areas. Tractors remain the property of the department.”