Vrede dairy project finally handed over to beneficiaries

Despite being “really happy” with the fact that the transfer of the Vrede dairy farm project in the Free State has finally been completed, there is still some frustration among the beneficiaries.

Ephraim Dhlamini, chairperson of the Vrede Integrated Farming Trust, expressed frustration about the fact that the audit of the farm implements had still been in progress a week after the transfer took place.

People were also already trying to take advantage and “worm themselves into the project”, he said.

“The trust owns a 51% stake in the project. We would like to take full ownership of the project. If that it not possible, we would like, at least, to have a say in who we would like to partner with,” Dhlamini said.

The remaining 49% stake was currently open to “strategic partners”, according to Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela, who officially handed over the Vrede dairy farm project to the beneficiaries on 14 January.

According to the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the 2 200ha farm housed 582 dairy cattle, nine horses, and 10 tractors. Two managers along with 39 young people from the nearby township were also currently employed on the farm, while six workers from the trust would also now employed there.

“It will take some time before any dividends will be paid out to beneficiaries, but they [will] be able to make some money by working on the farm.

“For the young people, the farm presents an opportunity to build some skills,” Dhlamini added.

Roy Jankielsohn, leader of the DA in the Free State, said the transfer of the farm was a victory for the party’s nine-year relentless battle to gain recognition and inclusion in the project for the beneficiaries, some of whom had since passed away.

“The DA will continue to monitor the progress of this project,” he said.

Thembeni Nxangisa, Free State MEC for agriculture and rural development, urged the 65 beneficiaries to work closely with the department, as it was committed to supporting the farm for the next three years through mentoring, training, a R20 million investment in operations, and the expansion of production from dairy production to include beef, cultivated pastures, maize, soya beans, and vegetables. – Glenneis Kriel

ROY JANKIELSOHN Stakeholders have expressed the hope that the Vrede dairy project will bear fruit for its rightful beneficiaries after the project was finally handed over to the Vrede Integrated Farming Trust recently.