VDM used us and then discarded us, claim Vhembe borehole operators

The future of more than 500 borehole operators who deliver services to the Vhembe District Municipality looks uncertain, following the municipality's decision to terminate their contracts.

Among those affected are men who volunteered their services to their communities for up to 13 years. This has resulted in a bitter war of words between the municipality and the aggrieved borehole operators.

One of the affected is Mr Lovemore Mayimele of Hlanganani in the Collins Chabane Municipality. For the past 11 years, Mayimele has been the darling of his community, having been punctual in his duties throughout those years.

“It was around August 2024 when we received the sad news of the termination of our contracts. Our hearts are broken. The municipality used us,” he said.

Mayimele explained that there were times in the past when the municipality had had no money, and they had offered their services free of charge. In 2019, there were discussions about employing some of the operators. He explained that around 140 of them were then absorbed into the municipality’s workforce.

“Most of us were left out as the municipality claimed there was no money, but we were consoled by the promise that we would be absorbed as soon as there was money. It was another victory on our part when more than 40 of our members were absorbed again in 2021,” he said.

Mayimele added that, to make matters worse for those left out, they had not received their stipends from the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) for the past three months. “How are we supposed to live and feed our families? We fail to understand why our services are no longer needed after serving our own people all these years. Now that there is money, we are chased away like dogs. Some of us are now old and cannot get employment anywhere else. Now that they have used us like bubble gum, they want us out to give space to their relatives, friends, and family members. This is daylight corruption, and we promise it will not happen under our watch. If they dare do what they are thinking, Vhembe will come to a standstill. We will show them what we are made of. Believe me, this is no empty threat. This issue will reach the highest office in the land if need be,” Mayimele said.

The spokesperson for the Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Matodzi Ralushai, described the allegations as unfounded.

“All our employees are paid at the end of each month, and the aggrieved volunteers know they are not full-time employees but were working on a contract basis. These people are paid stipends, depending on the availability of funds. When employing people, there are certain rules to follow, and when the time comes, posts will be advertised and all who meet the requirements will be considered. This includes all the volunteers who have been assisting communities,” he said.

Date:03 October 2024

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.

Read: 618