EFF protest against ‘unfair dismissals’ at Ramaphosa’s farm

The SABC is reporting that new South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing a protest led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at his farm, said to be related to the alleged unfair dismissal of farm workers.

Ramaphosa’s estate Ntaba Nyoni, located near eManzana in Mpumalanga, is understood to be one of his most prized possessions, as it houses his sought-after and expensively acquired Ugandan Ankole cattle.

EFF members and supporters protesting at the Ntabanyoni Estate said to be owned by president Cyril Ramaphosa in Badplaas Mpumalanga. It's alleged some workers were unfairly dismissed at the farm, the EFF wants them re-instated. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/UrOBf5M6Cc

— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) February 22, 2018

The cattle are known for their sweeping horns and Ramaphosa owns a whole herd of about 100 of them. According to Farmer’s Weekly, Ramaphosa became interested in Ankole when he visited Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni in 2004.

The president was reportedly so determined to own these cattle that he paid for an entire artificial insemination programme that also involved facilities in Kenya to allow him to have his own herd of Ankole be born on South African soil from host cows here because the department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries prevented their direct importation, citing inadequate disease control measures in Uganda.

Picture: As supplied to Farmer’s Weekly.

The SABC reports that protesters claim that six employees were dismissed by a certain “Mr Kobus” for allegedly stealing fertiliser.

“The dismissed workers say there’s a lot of abuse at the farm, accusing farm manager Mr Kobus of being racist,” reports Mweli Masilela.

Farm management were understood to have arrived to receive a memorandum from the EFF, while there is already a “heavy police presence”.

Management of the Ntabanyoni Estate is here, EFF leadership will be handing over memorandum. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/B8QIbVdtzb

— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) February 22, 2018

Heavy police presence at the Ntabanyoni Estate in Badplaas where EFF members and supporters are protesting calling for reinstatement of workers they believe were dismissed unfairly. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/smqIebcxWw

— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) February 22, 2018

#EFFProtest at Ntabanyoni Estate owned by president Ramaphosa. Six employees were dismissed accused of stealing fertilizer. The dismissed workers say there's a lot of abuse at the farm, accusing farm manager Mr Kobus of being racist. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/VC4Buo2ug5

— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) February 22, 2018