The Rep 14 October 2022

6 Tel: (045) 839-4040 / editorial: bobeloz@therep.co.za / advertising: charodinev@therep.co.za 14 October 2022 THE R E P R ES E N TAT I V E
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Business, jobs at risk
In 2010, the department of rural
development and agrarian
reform (DRDAR) approved an
application for a
comprehensive agricultural
support programme grant to
establishan abattoir, feedlot and
waste management on
Pakamisa Xashimba’s property
at a cost of R19.600,000.
The abattoir project was due
to be completed in 2013. A
company was appointed to
carry out the construction.
The firm responsible for
installing the relays d i s c ove r e d
the plans of the abattoir and the
actual steel installed did not
correspond. This resulted in the
project being suspended.
Xashimba attempted to
engage with the department for
the project to be completed on
many occasions, finally
following the legal route in an
attempt to finalise the project.
The court decided in favour
of Xashimba and a new
company was appointed to
complete the work.
The project was only
completed and handed over in
2016, three years after the
expected completion date.
In a report to the portfolio
committee on rural
development and agrarian
reform, the committee noted
there was an allegation that the
department had funded the
project to the tune of R43m.
However, according to the
financial institution evaluations,
the actual value of the project
was R17m, with R23m r e s e r ve d
for infrastructure. This begs the
question, where did the money
go to and why was the abattoir
built to substandard conditions?
Furthermore, the backup
engine supplied was not
according to specifications. The
committee recommended an
investigation be done and a
progress report be submitted
within 30 days.
Recommendations were
made for alternative power in
the form of a generator, which
was never supplied. Further
litigation may be necessary.
The committee
recommended the department
tar or pave the access road,
which has not been done
despite another report request.
Due to these o p e ra t i o n a l
difficulties and structural
defects, the abattoir faces
closure. Failure to provide a
generator has resulted in bulk
meat being discarded since
2018 to the value of millions of
rands, which has incapacitated
business operations and the
ability to pay employees
regularly. Fifty jobs are at risk
and the surrounding farming
community will suffer if the
authorities abandon this thriving
business venture.
— Pakamisa Xashimba
SOCIETY SNIPPETS
From birthdays to anniversaries to achievements to notices ...
Share your information with us:
mjekulal@arena.africa or fax (045) 839-4059
Happy birthday, Michaela Isaacs (October 14), Nosipho Mzamo,
Thuliwe Manqina, Lusanda Bobo and Vuyokaz Siyo (October 15),
Pucuka Somi, Khanyo Kwani and Kamva Ningiza (October 16),
Maxwell Levine and Pumla Gqagqa (October 17), Lungiswa
Songelwa and Nelisa Bomela (October 18), Siphokazi Tyalana,
Phikolomzi Mjomana and Lu-Mare Fraser (October 20), Olwethu
Sana (October 21), Tegan Barraud (October 22), John Philips and
Pauline Roberts (October 23), Gail Hartley and Thobeka Tsotetsi
(October 24), Vukile Mkile and Kholiswa Mgqozolana (October
25), Ntombi Bunu (October 26), Poziswa Nyaka and Nandipha
Siwa (October 27), Helena Wagener and Nelia Moss (October 28),
Anezwa Mduzana (October 29), Rowan Knight, Cameron Drake
and Di-Venuto Jekels (November 1), Christine Maclean and Kirsty
Watson (November 3), Tozi Nogemane (November 4), Julie de
Bruyn and Nonceba Mpame (November 5), Thokozile Oliphant
(November 6), Beauty Mngxale (November 9), Nogolide Ndara
(November 11) and Andiswa David (November 12).
CLASS OF 1972
The Maria Louw High School class of 1972 came together recently in celebration of their reunion. The group enjoyed a
weekend filled with activities, including a tour of the town, church service and lunch served at the Marala House in Victoria Park
Picture: SUPPLIED
FACE 2 FACE with
Q
: What do you like about
what you do?
A
: The work that I do is very
interesting. I get to
communicate with other
companies and their people
and I have my own duties that I
can progress in. I am a people’s
person, so for me, I love it.
Q: What is the most important
thing you have learnt in your
c a re e r ?
A: I have learnt that consistency
is key. Hard work pays off and
that no-one should stand in
your way of success.
I know I am still young but
you surprise yourself once you
really step in and set that goal.
Q: Did you always want to be a
s e c re t a ry ?
A: No, I always wanted to have
a job outside the office space.
I was never into offices until
I got the opportunity. I must say
I am enjoying it and love it. You
never know if you never try.
Q: Are there any books you
have read that have had an
impact on you?
A: I do not really read books
but what has stuck by me is a
quote: “Do not let others define
or determine your worth.”
Q: Is there any mantra/ belief
that you try to live by?
A: The one thing I had to learn
and try to live by is to know my
/ Vicky Mostert Conveyancing Secretary
self-worth and to know I am
good enough. Even if it is just
for myself. Nobody should
determine the person you are.
Do things for you and not
others. Whatever you put in
your mind, put it into action. I
also do fail sometimes but I try
my best and pick myself up.
YO U R VOICE opinions on the street
What do you think about …
Q: What is your best memory/
experience on the job?
A: When I first started working
here I had no idea that I was
going to learn, and the best
feeling was getting everything
right.
Also my best memories are
with staff during lunchtime
where we would talk and have
fun.
Q: What are your other
i n t e re s t s ?
A: I would say playing guitar,
meeting up with friends and
going places outside of town.
Q: One thing you must do
before you die?
A: Go to Greece.
Q: What do you always have
on you when you leave the
house?
A: My handbag, and my vape.
Q: What do you like about
Ko m a n i ?
A: I have lived here my whole
life so I would say the
mountains around Komani, and
the small-town vibe.
Belated birthday wishesto, Chuma Venfolo, Bongolethu Sondlo,
Yonela Nalana (October 7), Gcina Qabaka (October 8), Msimelelo
Ralane, Fuzile Fistoz, Ayanda Gatyeni, Xola Mahali and Nobhotwe
Shenxane (October 9), Joyce Joni,Tebogo Lebobo, Siphosethu
Kambi, Iris Yokwe (October 10) and Sindaphi Antonio (October 11).
The Rep intern CHUMA JONI took to the streets of Komani and asked residents whether they thought it was a good idea for the
municipality to introduce skip bins around town and in various other areas? Will it keep the town clean?
KOMANI WEATHER
After a long week of sunny,
breezy and hot temperatures,
there will be a slight change to
the weather, with expected
thunderstorms on Friday.
The temperature will range
from 27°C during the day and
13°C at night with cloudy and
rainy weather conditions.
Afternoon rain can also be
expected on Saturday as the
temperatures hit 21°C with low
clouds. On Sunday, cloudy and
cool conditions are expected,
with the temperature at 19°C. —
w w w. a c c u w e a t h e r. c o . c a
What are you doing for Komani?
Send us your story via WhatsApp on 073-025-2220 and
we will publish it.
It can be a cleaning campaign or pothole repair project.
Zenande Wonti
from Sada
It was a great idea. We
are so thankful to our
municipality, it shows
they care and are
looking out for Komani.
I hope Komani will
go back to its former
beauty, as it was in the
past. I hope we as locals
will take care of the
town by not throwing
things around.
Leon Prince
from New Rest
This has been going on
for years now. It is not
something they have to
do over a week.
They have to show
they are reliable and that
municipal workers are
competent and can do
their job.
Until then, there is
too much uncertainty
about the municipality.
James Ayo
from Komani
I think it is going to keep
the town clean — the
municipality has been
helpful.
I hope people will
stop throwing dirty
things around, as we
have to keep a clean
e nv i r o n m e n t .
Sinazo Maqoko
from Newvale
I like the idea that the
municipality has come
up with. It was a wise
one. This will help our
town and we can be
proud residents like we
used to be. A lot of
tourists will recognise it.
I believe now that
our town will be clean
and I hope we keep it
that way.
Lourens Els
from Komani
It is the best thing they
could think of for our
nature and our children
and for the future of this
town. We used to have a
clean and breathtaking
t ow n .