The Coronation community has voiced strong disappointment over the impending permanent shutdown of ‘Just Veggies’, a large-scale vegetable processing plant that once offered hope and employment to many in the area.
The factory ceased operations in 2018 due to a combination of challenges, including prolonged drought and allegations of mismanagement. While residents were aware of the plant’s closure, many held onto the hope that it would eventually re-open.
In November last year, officials from AbaQulusi Local Municipality held a community meeting in Coronation, where they informed the residents of the factory’s official and permanent closure. The municipality said that all efforts to revive the plant had failed, and therefore no operations would resume. This announcement was met with frustration and disappointment. Determined to find a solution, community members formed a committee to explore ways of reviving the factory, aiming to bring back employment opportunities to the area.
Following numerous meetings and deliberations, the committee managed to attract the interest of five potential investors. However, only two companies visited the site. Despite a public auction held later in the year – during which factory equipment was sold off to various businesses – the committee remained committed to saving the plant.
In March this year, a council meeting was held at the municipal chambers, where the two interested investors presented their proposals. One of them, a company named Elite Crops, received provisional approval from the council. They were expected to receive a formal lease agreement from the municipality to begin operations.
However, weeks passed with no lease agreement issued. In May, the municipality granted Elite Crops temporary permission to occupy the property. According to the letter, this ‘Permission to Occupy’ (PTO) was solely intended for site security and to prevent vandalism while lease processes were finalised.
While Elite Crops prepared to take possession, another construction company emerged, claiming they had purchased equipment at the auction and demanding access to retrieve it. The municipality granted them permission to remove the equipment.
This move sparked renewed outrage from residents, who felt betrayed and confused by the municipality’s handling of the situation. Many questioned how two parties could be given overlapping permissions for the same property.
“We feel the municipality doesn’t care about us,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “There’s no transparency. Why is it taking so long to finalise the lease? What if Elite Crops pulls out? All our efforts to find investors will be in vain. There will be no jobs, no future for our youth, and crime will continue to thrive.”
An enquiry regarding the factory’s official closure was sent to AbaQulusi Municipality two weeks ago. At the time of going to press, no official response had been received by the Vryheid Herald. However, the Herald was informed that the matter is being referred to the relevant municipal structures for further consideration.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.