Happy ending for cattle farmer, 73

THE impounded cattle belonging to a Uitenhage farmer have been returned after an agreement was reached with Sovereign Foods.

The cows were returned to the Rocklands farm on Friday.

Mxolisi Maku, 73, had lived on the farm with his cattle for 33 years.

He was hired by his former employer, Farmer Brown, but earlier this year grazing rights for the Rocklands farms were given to Sovereign Foods.

The cattle belonging to Maku were impounded and later put in the care of the SPCA Uitenhage after he failed to relocate the livestock.

Maku's son Sivuyile, 25, said: "My father was very worried after the removal of his cows from the farm. This agreement has come as a huge relief and he is very excited."

Sivuyile said the 50 cows were brought home after an amicable solution was found.

Sovereign Foods's

Theo Scholtz confirmed the return of the livestock and the agreement.

In terms of the agreement, Sovereign Foods has given Maku 27.5ha of grazing land. He will have use of the land for the rest of his life.

The company also paid the transport costs for the cattle to be returned to the farm.

In return, Maku will ensure all fences of his camp are maintained and that he does not overgraze the land.

The debacle involving the cattle started when Sovereign Foods gave Maku until November 1 to have all his cows removed.

He was offered a new piece of land for grazing but the offer was rejected because Maku felt it was inadequate.

Maku started working for Farmer Brown in 1981 and, because of his longstanding service, his former employer decided to recognise him by giving him a cow.

He bought another one and today his herd has increased to 50. - Hendrick Mphande