DELMAS – Formal correspondence from traditional authorities, employment records and worker testimonies have raised questions about how Shweta Agro Farms (Pty) Ltd handles leave, employment status and workplace responsibilities.
Documents reviewed by Highveld Chronicle show that traditional authorities formally approached the farm seeking leave for workers to attend Ingoma, while workers described separate disputes over medical leave and their employment status.
The evidence reviewed does not establish that workers were dismissed for attending initiation school. Instead, the records and interviews raise questions about what happened to workers’ employment arrangements following periods of traditional or medical leave, and whether workplace procedures and responsibilities are clearly communicated.
A letter from the Ndzundza Mabhoko Royal Kraal, dated 31 March 2026, requested special leave for worker Sibusiso Masuku to attend Ingoma, referring to an initiation period from 30 January to 24 July 2026.
A second letter from the Ndzundza Somphalau Traditional Council, dated 30 March 2026, requested leave for Gugulethu Mbonani from 15 May to 16 July 2026.
The letters show that traditional authorities formally notified the employer of the workers’ cultural obligations. However, the documents reviewed do not show whether the requests were approved or rejected.
Mbonani described a separate dispute relating to medical leave. He said he submitted a doctor’s note to HR before leaving and understood that he could return if a position became available.
When he returned, Mbonani said he was told there was no available position and that he would have to register again as a job seeker, despite what he said was ongoing recruitment.
“Why look for someone else when she knows there is someone here who knows the job?” he said.
His account of the employment arrangement remains disputed.
Workers also raised concerns about how roles and responsibilities are structured. They allege that some employees regarded as permanent continue performing broad general-worker duties without clearly defined job descriptions.
Worker Fezile Mtimande questioned whether employees are adequately informed about their specific roles and responsibilities. He also raised concerns about workplace communication and the role of Industrial Relations, alleging that toolbox talks can focus on individual workers rather than safety and operational issues. These allegations could not be independently verified.
Highveld Chronicle sent questions to Shweta Agro Farms on 20 August 2026 regarding the workers’ concerns, including traditional leave, employment arrangements, job descriptions and workplace management.
In response, the company requested the publication’s email and physical address so that its legal team could respond.
“Good day, can you send me your email address and your physical address of your company you work for so that our legal team can respond.”
The publication provided the requested details but had not received a substantive response from the company’s legal team by the time of publication.
The publication will publish any substantive response received. The allegations remain allegations and have not been finally determined by a court or other competent authority.
