Feeding scheme suspensions come under fire

By Denver Donian

KING WILLIAM'S TOWN -- The chairman of the Women's Executive in Region C, Ms Boniswa Rusi, has criticised this week's suspension of the warehouse manager and executive committee of a school nutrition agency.

The committee and warehouse manager of the Kuyasa Community Agency, Mr Sobantu Gijana, were suspended after allegations by breadcutters and sub-contractors of fraud, corruption and the undemocratic election of the committee.

About 50 placard-waving employees demanded that the manager and committee be removed with immediate effect due to the alleged fraudulent cashing of cheques by the warehouse manager, the election of Mrs Pam Tshwete, wife of Sports Minister Steve Tshwete, as chairman of the committee and as a sub-contractor, and the election of Mr Gijana as secretary of the committee.

They further alleged that the committee was not voted for by the community.

In a strongly worded statement Ms Rusi said although the axing was a sequel to the picket by the employees, she felt the action was harsh and uncalled for as the committee was voted in by the community.

"In observing the allegations brought up at a meeting held, most of the allegations were vague and unfounded and unfortunately tarnished some innocent, dedicated figures in the King William's Town community, including Mrs Tshwete and Mr Gijana.

"Mrs Tshwete has every right to participate in any activities run by any women's organisation with the community, regardless of her husband's status."

Mrs Rusi has challenged the decision by Independent Business Enrichment Centre (Ibec) regional manager Barnabas Damasane and Mr Matanda, the regional co-ordinator representing the Department of Education, as being unfair, null and void.

''How can Ibec as a non-governmental organisation and the Department of Education suspend an executive body voted for by the people," she asked.

An allegation raised at the meeting that Mrs Tshwete received a R30000 kickback from Mr Gijana was denied by Mrs Rusi.

She said the allegation had come as a surprise to her and Mrs Tshwete and she called on Mrs Tshwete to intervene in the matter to prevent further mud slinging which could lead to legal action.