Page 121 - SCAT Rural Voice II - 35 Stories for 35 Years

Following my appointment, I immediately took on a CCMA case. It was between Aquila Game Reserve and Peet Meiring. The company said that Peet Meiring used his sick leave maliciously because he did not have a sick letter and he just wanted to stay at home. I immediately referred the matter to the CCMA as an unfair dismissal with misconduct.
That same night, a million rand company loaded some of their farm workers on a truck with zinc plates and poles. The workers had to put up shacks in a village named Zion Park that was outside the town. The workers called me and told me what had happened, and I immediately went to stop the move. I called the police while I was on my way. They helped me to stop the move and to guide the truck back to the farm. When we arrived at the farm, the owner awaited us at the gate. The policeman asked her if she had an eviction order because she could not kick people off the farm. When she answered “no”, he said that she had to have an eviction order, and that the trucks would have to take the people back to their houses. We then decided to leave the farm, after she told us she would get an eviction notice. This case went to court but the judge then threw the case out and told the farm owner to sort out her administrative work or come with suggestions.
Two years ago, my wife had a stroke. I had to leave work to accompany her to Worcester hospital. I have to wash her and get her ready and give her food in the mornings before work. Because the work I do helps my community, I had to decide whether to work at home or at the office. I decided I would help my wife in the morning and then go to work. It allows me to do my job and also help my community. Then people do not have to come to my house to complain.
Our Advice Office makes provision for education and training for the youth. It is a good opportunity for our youth to better their lives and create a good future for themselves. For me, as a field worker, it is an opportunity to get our youth into various institutions as well as TVET Colleges. I am pleased that I can offer the youth a good opportunity by doing my job well and that I can also look after my wife.
YOUTH
RuRal Voice ii: 35 stories for 35 years
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