“Transfer R708 to SANRAL” Farmers and Taxi Operators demand

Staff reporters

Bloemfontein – The farming and taxi community in Marquad, Clocolan, Ficksburg and Ladybrand have asked Jabu Mbalula, MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport to transfer R708 to SANRAL.

This is one of the four (4) demands listed in the memorandum handed to Vincent Ntaka, on Thursday, after Mbalula blue-ticked the operators letter asking for a meeting on Tuesday.

After Mbalula’s non-responsiveness to their letter, the operators shut down R708 two days later on Thursday and among their demands:

• Payment to a contractor
• Payment and Progress Schedule
• Confirmed Stakeholder and Engagement Schedule
• Consideration for SANRAL to take over R708

In conclusion, the farmers and operators said their demands are rooted in years of frustration:

“These demands are rooted in years of community frustration, economic strain, safety risks caused by poor condition of this critical route.”

It remains to be seen if Mbalula will accede to their demands having failed not only to respond to their letter requesting for a meeting but also failing to accept their memorandum personally as he was seen in Northridge Mall.

In other related news, the construction and maintenance of Tweespruit to Excelsior is on our radar as we zoom into its progress.

This route was initially awarded to Patrick “The Butcher” Phuti’s New Beginning and, after termination, it was awarded to Tau Pele Construction.

Following the termination, Phuti blew the whistle on Tau Pele and Mathae, alleging they gave him R2 million for Mathae and he used part of it to pay for transportation of delegates to African National Congress Womens League (ANCWL) where Mathae got more votes than any other nominee as Treasurer General.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Democratic Alliance (DA) have since laid criminal charges against Mathae and the docket has been handed to NPA in December for a decision, the province is waiting for DPP to make her decision.

If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 0685000246