Vuki Farm Deal Concluded

The name Vuki is a Sesotho word meaning, literally translated, to stand up. The use of the word in Sotho however implies "Arise, be awake. Go and do something for yourself".

Vuki has emerged from the proverbial ashes after the liquidation of a previous farming joint venture in November 2001. The employees of the venture were retained by the liquidator to run the operation. During the initial period, after all the positive foreign exchange considerations of 2002 are taken into account,
the operation yielded the highest profit in 10 years. During the following months the workers rallied together and formed Vuki Trust. The trustees of Vuki Trust then obtained financing and made an offer to purchase the farm from the liquidator. This offer was approved by the secured creditors, Landbank, DBSA, IDT and FNB, and then ratified by the Master of the Supreme Court. The final transfer of the property to Vuki has been delayed by ongoing legal action to prevent the sale of the farm to the workers. However, a settlement has been negotiated with all relevant parties and the farm is now in the hands of the people of the Vuki Trust.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT REAL EMPOWERMENT IS ABOUT.

THE EVENT WILL INCLUDE THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE IN THE WESTERN CAPE, COBUS DOWRY.

DATE: 2 December 2005
TIME: 10H00
VENUE: Vuki Farm Grabouw

Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
084 604 6701

Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Tel: (021) 483 4930
Fax: (021) 483 3890
Cell: 084 604 6701
E-mail: avjaarsv@pgwc.gov.za