Press Statement dated 18 June 2018
Just after the closing date for public commentary on land expropriation without compensation, Solidarity puts the spotlight on a tragic land reform project in the Limpopo province. A farm which was transferred to a trust in 2010 by means of a land reform transaction, is now in total decay after an intense labour dispute because of non-payment and an unfair dismissal.
The trade union revealed that the High Court in Polokwane has granted a claim from the union that a writ of execution be levied on the Sunningdale Farm, which was transferred to the Sunningdale Farmers’ Trust in 2010.
Solidarity has previously, on behalf of its member, Mr Korff, the former farm manager of the Sunningdale Farmers’ Trust, obtained a ruling by the CCMA that Korff is entitled to 12 months’ compensation, outstanding leave money, and an outstanding salary owed to him by the Trust.
This award followed after Mr Korff had loaned approximately R110 000 of his own money to the Trust, received a lower salary for longer than one year, and was dismissed unfairly by the Trust.
According to Anton van der Bijl, Head of the Labour Court Division at Solidarity, the farm is in total decay eight years after the transfer and the Trust cannot pay the money owed to Mr Korff.
Van der Bijl also said that this tragic labour dispute and the decay of a once flourishing farm is the umptieth example of the drastic consequences a political-motivated land reform policy holds for the South African economy. It is clear that the transfer of farms to incompetent beneficiaries is not to the advantage of anyone, but is actually a disadvantage to the whole community around the farm.
Solidarity further revealed that the union will visit the Sunningdale Farm on Tuesday, 19 June, where the relevant bailiff and the former farm manager will also be present to speak to media.
The media is herewith invited to join Solidarity in the visit to the farm.
When: 19 June 2018
Time: 11:00
Venue: 120A Ruiterstreet, Mokopane.
RSVP: Wilmarie Brits 082 041 4451
Issued by Solidarity