Staff Reporter
The Free State High Court has dismissed with costs an application brought by the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) to have the beneficiaries of the Vrede Dairy Project appointed and verified.
Judge Danita de Kock dismissed the case on Thursday on the grounds that there is an existing court order that sufficiently deals with the matter.
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said in a statement it welcomes the decision because it is already carrying out a verification process to establish the rightful beneficiaries of the Vrede Dairy Project as per court order.
It said it has already set timelines for the conclusion of the process.
“The department had long-held a view that the DA’s application to the court did not hold water and was a little too late,” said the department in a statement released by spokesperson Zimasa Leputla on Friday.
“The verification process couldn’t have been rushed as it had to be done thoroughly.
“The dismissal of the DA’s application has vindicated the department and will now allow the department continue to work with the beneficiaries in ensuring that they begin to benefit from the project as shareholders and rightful owners.”
The dairy project, initially set up to benefit emerging black farmers in the small farming town of Vrede, has been marred by controversy after an initial R336 million invested by the provincial agriculture department between 2012 and 2017 failed to include the intended beneficiaries.
The project, which was to be implemented by Estina, a company linked to the controversial Gupta family, continues to be supported by the local agriculture department after the failed take-off.
The department is said to be putting in R20 million per year, bringing the total amount to R436 million.
The DA earlier this week said it will monitor commitments made by Agriculture MEC William Bulwane regarding the beneficiaries.
It said it will also focus more attention on the political and criminal accountability for the hundreds of millions of rands allegedly diverted into dubious accounts at the project.
The party said no project of this nature has a right to exist without beneficiaries or other benefits for the local community and province.