Tenants accuse Klipspruit co-op of intimidation
Business owners at a Klipspruit centre claim they were threatened by board members, but the co-operative leadership denies the allegations.
The Soweto Artisan Skills and Business Development Primary Co-Operative Limited (SASBDPCL) has been accused of intimidating business persons renting space at the centre on 1 Calendula Road, Klipspruit West.
The board members include chairperson Ali Nkosinathi Maseko, Khosi Constance Oboso, Samuel Benjamin Strachan and former Ward 11 ANC Clr Mirriam Ramafola.
According to tenants Moses Sadiki and Daniel Nenzhelele, they were intimidated by members who attempted to force tenants to host a meeting without an appointment.
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Nenzhelele, the founder of Sumbandila Auto Body, has operated at the centre for 11 years. He said he has never had a meeting with the board, not even an AGM, and that it only became visible after founding member Alec died in April.
“Upon their return, they wanted to dictate when meetings should be held without engaging with the tenants. They were supposed to arrange a date for the meeting with us and introduce themselves properly because we do not know them,” he said.
Nenzhelele added that tenants do not have a problem working with the board, but that it should be respectfully done.
On September 23, the board, accompanied by the allegedly armed son of Oboso, visited the centre to request a meeting. They first engaged with Nenzhelele, who agreed to give them two minutes of his time as he was rushing out.
“They wanted me to sign a document for a meeting, but I refused because I did not know these people; they never introduced themselves. I suggested they arrange a meeting to introduce themselves to all tenants.
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“That’s when Khosi’s son began to intimidate me. He did not draw the firearm, but he wanted me to see that he had one.
“I told him I would not be intimidated by a firearm, and as I was about to leave, he blocked the door,” Nenzhelele explained.
Moses Sadiki, who owns Sandova Films, said he was surprised when the group arrived at the centre claiming to be board members.
“These people came here saying they are the board, but we have never seen any documents or held a meeting proving that. To us, they are outsiders. The old caretaker, Alec, managed the place and brought in tenants. Since his passing, things have changed,” he explained.
Sadiki said tenants have always worked collectively to maintain the premises and pay their leases.
“When we came in, the agreement was clear: We pay our rent, fix our stalls and participate in skills development. We have no problem co-operating with anyone, but they must come through the proper channels, and respectfully introduce themselves,” he said.
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Tenants also accused the board of withdrawing R12 200. The money came from the business card savings tenants used to maintain the centre.
Maseko rejected the allegations of intimidation and misconduct, saying the SASBDPCL operates transparently and in accordance with the Co-operatives Act.
“We categorically deny that any board member or their relatives intimidated tenants or forced anyone to sign documents,” said Maseko.
“The forms circulated were attendance and acknowledgement sheets for a meeting on compliance and operational matters. Participation was voluntary, and no threats were made.”
He added that the incident on September 23 was misinterpreted.
“Our intention was to improve communication and accountability among tenants, not to create tension.”
Maseko also addressed allegations regarding the business banking card and withdrawals, describing them as false and misleading.
“All financial transactions follow the co-operative’s constitution. No unauthorised withdrawals occurred. Every expense is recorded, audited and allocated for maintenance. Members may verify records through proper audit channels.”
He said the board remains committed to transparency and community development.
“Our focus is to strengthen relationships with tenants, uphold good governance and ensure the centre continues empowering local artisans.”
A case of intimidation was reported at the Kliptown SAPS.
