This, after the party had their application to have the beneficiaries of the project verified and appointed to the project dismissed by the High Court in Bloemfontein. The application was dismissed with costs on grounds that there is an existing court order that sufficiently deals with the issue. 

The leader of the party in the province, Roy Jankielsohn, says they are disappointed by the outcome, but they will not tire from fighting for justice. 

OFM News on Thursday reported that over R250 million that was initially earmarked to assist upcoming farmers in Vrede remains unaccounted for. The money, allegedly syphoned off from the Provincial Agriculture Department to Gupta-linked companies and associates, has for nearly a decade made headlines. It has been revealed before the Zondo Commission that the province made upfront payments to the Gupta-linked Estina company and forged ahead with the project without conducting any due feasibility study.

Jankielsohn, in a statement, says following their concerted effort, “the Democratic Alliance welcomes the commitment by the Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr William Bulwane, that the Vrede Dairy beneficiaries will be included in the project in a hand-over ceremony in February 2022”. He says whilst the department vows to ensure the inclusion of beneficiaries, the DA will monitor the commitments made by Bulwane and focus on the criminal aspects of the project, especially regarding the accountability of politicians.

OFM News