MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The name change court case is one of the high profile concerns that the Chairperson’s Association is dealing with.

In the annual report delivered by the Chairperson of the Chairperson’s Association (CA) at Lalapanzi Hotel on July 21, Mr André Naudé said that the name change court case was going to be heard on August 18, whereafter feedback would be given to all members of the CA.

The State insisted that R62 000 be paid in cash into the trust account of Coxwell, Steyn, Vise & Naudé in order to secure the costs of the State in the event of the State’s winning the matter. The funds were raised in a very short space of time. The CA is now replying to the answer of the State to review documentation of the CA.

It became evident that the name change court case would be a ground-breaking case in the country. The way that the CA works together as an interest group, insisting on good corporate governance and wealth creation in the region, is also an example to other regions.

In respect of land claims, the CA warned that there should be a proper implementation plan. The CA addressed the land claimants and farm owners, as well as the MEC for Agriculture at the invitation of the MEC in respect of the opportunities offered by a proper implementation plan of land claims. It was emphasized that a rehabilitation plan should be prepared and implemented in respect of farmers, land claimants and farm labourers and that an integrated approached should be followed.

A serious warning was signalled that a turnover of at least R34 billion could be lost to this province in the event of the implementation plan’s not being well thought through and implemented on an integrated basis. The result will be that 2 900 farmers will move to other provinces with their money and skills. That would leave 110 000 people unemployed, without a source of income. A copy of this speech was sent to the Mayor of the Vhembe Regional Municipal District, Sam Moeti, and to the Mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Rhulani Nkuzana, as well as to the MEC for Agriculture, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi.

Mr Moeti was also invited to address the CA and its members on good corporate governance, which he did. He also applauded the CA for the work done in order to ensure good corporate governance.

The CA addressed the Makhado Municipality in respect of the new business development at Louis Trichardt. The CA insisted that, if the development continues, local expertise, labour and suppliers be used for the project in order to ensure the creation of wealth in this region.

The chairman thanked the executive committee for their hard work and support during the past year where there was almost a 100% attendance at committee meetings.

“We appreciate the wisdom and integrity of the members of the committee,” Mr Naudé said.

The CA extended special congratulations to the local newspapers, the Skirmishes Route and the Kremetart Cycle Race. Mr Naudé said that the Skirmishes Route brings tradition to the area, creates culture and makes the area attractive for tourists. For three years running the Kremetart Cycle Race has been voted the best race in South Africa, while it contributes to the economic growth of the area.

The new executive committee members are Messrs Naudé, Dave Patel, JJ Gohell, Robert Khosa, Robert Mudau, Alexander Smail, Fritz Ahrens, Peter Menné, André Kruger, Frederick Eloff and Ms Inga Gilfillan.