Ex-farm workers want their shares
FORMER workers at Blaauwkrantz farm outside Uitenhage accuse owner Arthur Rudman of denying them empowerment deal shares.
Several former employees claim they have not benefited despite the government buying a 49% stake in the game farm aimed at empowering workers 12 years ago.
They claim Rudman, who owns the remaining 51%, does not share profit generated from the farm which breeds kudus, bushbuck, impala and nyala.
Rudman dismissed the claims. He said two protests held at the farm were orchestrated by disgruntled former employees who had either resigned or left for dubious reasons.
He said the former employees were either fired for theft at the farm or had voluntarily resigned.
“In terms of the trust deed agreement, you automatically cease to be a beneficiary once you are no longer working here,” Rudman said.
“This was explained to them. My staff were not part of the protest and they informed me they are happy.
“All beneficiaries receive all proceeds from their goats or mohair sold.”
However, the group of eight – supported by two land rights NGOs – disagreed. Their demands include Rudman paying shares to beneficiaries, withdrawing warnings and not intimidating beneficiaries of the farm.
They also ask that the government remove Rudman from the farm and improve working and living conditions of farm workers and residents.
Rudman maintains no shares were issued to individuals.
He said selected staff members were given the privilege of grazing their livestock on 49% of the farm.
The arrangement dates back to 2005 when the government bought a stake in Blaauwkrantz Farm for R948 927 for 21 employees; 11 of them are still working on the farm. The employees were to have 49% and Rudman 51%.
Former employee Stephen Jackson, 35, said although he had been a beneficiary he had not received anything from the deal.
“I am very angry. He wanted to get rid of us from this project for he and his family to benefit,” he said.
Zwelothando Moni, 53, worked for Rudman for 37 years before he resigned 20 months ago.
He said he was also among the beneficiaries, but had not received a share of the farm.
Rudman said the instigators of the protests no longer worked at the farm and intended to hijack the project by making unnecessary demands.
“From our point of view, we have formulated a task team and they must also form theirs,” Rudman said.
“A facilitator from Land Affairs should be appointed to resolve this matter in an amicable way.”
The group, however, said government officials had not helped them despite having reported the issue many times. They are now calling for an investigation into the finances.
Rural Development and Land Reform director Mxolisi Ngangani did not answer phone calls or text messages sent to him.