Commotion erupted outside the Truda Foods factory in Komani last week when police, accompanied by councillors from Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM), arrived at the site demanding it be closed.
According to a source, the plant was closed because it did not comply with regulations of the national lookdown, despite the company obtaining a certificate from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission as being an essential goods provider.
Company CEO Colin van Heerden said what took place at the site last week was disgraceful.
“Truda Foods is one the biggest employers in Komani. Our competitors from nearby who have been allowed to run by their municipalities will supply into the area. Between SAPS and the municipality they have succeeded in costing workers in Komani their wages. What took place today at Truda Foods is disgraceful,” he said.
Van Heerden said the company, which produces soya mince, porridge and snacks, had “done everything in its power and within the laws to play its part to keep the food supply chain working”.
“We have been closed since Friday, March 27. Our management team has been furiously trying to engage with the authorities since Tuesday, March 24. We decided not to open (last) Monday because we were still waiting for the bulk of the permits.
“We were promised by the municipal manager, Gcobani Mashiyi, that the remainder would be ready that morning, his being the third and only outstanding signature required.
“He was due to meet us on site, but did not arrive. Instead telephonically informed us that he had changed his mind and we must close. Not long after that the police arrived, and without respect for social distancing, bunched together those staff on site, who had valid permits in any event,” added Van Heerden.
On Friday, Truda Foods approached the Grahamstown High Court where it was granted an interim order to continue production.
“While we are happy with the court outcome and convinced that we had no other option, we look forward to working together with the local authorities and SAPS and to provide work for our staff,” he said.
Truda Foods employees who spoke to The Rep anonymously said they were disappointed with the outcome of the court because they felt their lives were being put at risk. They claimed what was being produced in the Komani factory was not essential.
“We do not produce essential foods at this plant, only snacks. How is it fair when the government says people must stay at home, yet we have to be here?” asked a man who was at work.
“They said people would be limited to 50, there are more than 100 of us here. I have a child at home and this is where I am most likely to catch the virus and infect him,” added another.
Another employee said they were summoned to a hearing because of airing the employees’ grievances to the media.
“I feel we are being persecuted for voicing our grievances. People are being given an option to take their annual leave, which is not right. The country is on lockdown because of the threat of coronavirus,” said the employee.
Van Heerden disputed that employees were being called to hearings for not wanting to work. “There is one woman who must attend a hearing for inciting violence on social media,” he said.
Chris Hani District Municipality chose not to comment on why the plant had been forced to close and did not confirm whether they had issued permits for the factory, although a copy was seen by The Rep.
“The matter is before a court of law so we cannot divulge further details. However, we wish to state that during this period a number of establishments were visited as part of inspections and monitoring, to ensure that all business operations are within the provisions of the regulations,” said the municipal manager, Gcobani Mashiyi.
“CHDM has a mandate to coordinate all stakeholders, including the business community; and all related processes during the declared state of disaster.
“To this end, a Joint Operations Committee (JOC) was established to help manage and prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our area of jurisdiction. Importantly, the district JOC has a mandate to enforce compliance with regulations that govern businesses operating within the district, to ensure that they operate in safe and healthy environments.
“Some businesses were found not to be in compliance and were properly engaged with on all precautionary measures.
“We reiterate our responsibility to monitor compliance during the Covid-19 period,” said Mashiyi.
[…] was operational. Being a snack food producer and therefore not deemed essential, the company was closed in April until it obtained an interim order from the Grahamstown High Court to re-open. According to the […]