UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR TEA WORKERS
Estate lacks resources, says agency
A MAJOR tea estate in Limpopo is apparently facing total closure after its remaining 25 workers were told to stop reporting to work due to financial difficulties.
Yesterday, workers at the famous Makgoba tea estate in Magoebaskloof near Tzaneen approached the offices of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (Leda) in Polokwane, demanding answers about their contracts.
The tea estate on 1 000 hectares of land is managed through a subsidiary of Leda called Mununzwu.
However, the estate belongs to the Makgoba tribe, who won the land through a land claim.
Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, worker William Monyama said people were confused about the company ’ s plans.
He said they were told verbally that the project was facing complete closure, but the letters they received did not mention anything about it being shut down.
The father of eight, who has worked on the farm for five years, said workers would struggle to look after their families.
“To be honest it is difficult. I have nine people who are depending on me. All eight of my children are still in school. After this I will not be able to afford to do anything for them.”
Another worker, Morris Mafokoane, said they felt the closure was not being handled well. He has five dependents, and wanted to know if they would be compensated for the years they worked on the farm.
According to a copy of the letter Sowetan has seen, workers would have to stop reporting for work on Fri- day March 18 2016.
“Due to the non-production and lack of resources at the estate, Mununzwu has reached a decision of not renewing the employment contracts for the employees as from April 2016. The dedication that the workers have put in the running of the Mununzwu estate is highly appreciated, ” it says.
Attempts by Sowetan to get comment from Leda since the weekend were unsuccessful by the time of print yesterday.
Makgoba community forum chairman Jimmy Kubjane said in recent years the government had channelled millions of rands through Leda to revitalise the project.
“As a community we are shocked that they are saying there is no money. Our wish is to see the tea estate being developed.