SA Canegrowers, govt locked in discussions over Tongaat Hulett business rescue
The country's canegrowers say they are still locked in discussions with government over assistance after Tongaat Hulett's operations entered business rescue last month.
The cane farmers are particularly concerned about small-scale growers who supplied cane to three mills for Tongaat Hulett.
They say they have not received payment yet for the September delivery.
Chairperson Andrew Russell says the payment was crucial considering the vulnerability of the small-scale farmers.
READ: Two Tongaat Hulett operations enter business rescue
He says they are now also concerned about 300 commercial growers fearing they will not be paid the R345 million owed to them at the end of this month.
This is for 570 000 tonnes of cane delivered in October.
"These are the growers who employ the vast majority of cane farm workers, so their payment is essential for the preservation of vital livelihoods on the north coast and Zululand.
"SA Canegrowers will continue in engaging with the business rescue practitioners, government and other stakeholders to ensure that this process continues to unfold in a way that protects all affected growers, workers and industry service providers."
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