Karan Beef says it is working to establish who has a legal right to live on Cotswold Farm, on the Dundee/Vryheid road, after acquiring the property earlier this year.

The company acquired the farm through an auction after Triple C Feedlot ceased operations and retrenched its staff.

Avron Karan told the Courier that the company had “inherited some people” living on the property and had asked the Department of Land Affairs and Rural Development to conduct an audit to establish their legal status.

As appointing an audit body by the state can be a lengthy process, Karan Beef has offered to contribute towards appointing an independent mediator to work alongside the department.

“This is being done in a very measured manner, and we reiterate that all individuals who are lawfully allowed to reside on the farm are, and will continue to be, treated with respect and common decency.”

Karan said the company was now providing residents with running water and electricity at no cost, services he said had not been provided for more than two years.

He said establishing who was legally entitled to live on the property was important for the safety of employees and residents, particularly amid heightened national biosecurity measures aimed at curbing Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

Karan Beef has also started farming operations and employed people from the local community, including former Triple C employees.

Company disputes demolition claims

Karan rejected allegations posted on the Endumeni Municipality Facebook page that homes had been demolished indiscriminately, leaving residents traumatised.

He said two company buildings had been demolished because they were in poor condition and their location created biosecurity and staff-movement challenges.

The employees who occupied the buildings had accommodation contracts granting them, and them alone, the right to occupy allocated rooms during their employment.

Karan said the employees agreed that others living with them would have to vacate the buildings and, with the company’s assistance, move to the staff compound.

“Assistance was provided to move their possessions and families to a location of their choice before the two buildings were demolished. The tenants raised no objections.”

The company has also begun upgrading the main staff compound, including new ablution facilities with flushing toilets and hot water, as well as separate laundry facilities.

Residents could be offered property options

Once the audit establishes who is lawfully entitled to remain on the property, Karan Beef hopes to offer eligible residents two options to provide greater long-term security and a pathway to property ownership.

The first is a proposed once-off payment of R500,000 to purchase a home of their choice. The second would involve working with the Department of Rural Development to make a portion of land available for subdivision, potentially allowing individual ownership.

Karan stressed that the company had no objection to lawful residents remaining on the property, provided they complied with applicable rules and regulations.

He said the matter had already been discussed at a meeting involving Endumeni councillors and officials, government representatives and residents.

“The most important thing is that we find a fair and equitable way forward for everyone involved. There are people’s lives and futures involved here, and that deserves to be approached properly.”

Karan said he was optimistic about the company’s investment and its potential to create employment and boost confidence in the local agricultural sector.

“We hope our commitment here can contribute to renewed confidence and further investment in agriculture in the region.”

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