Johannesburg - The Free State government spent R2.3 million to buy two tractors for the botched Vrede Dairy farm project, ignoring donated tractors by national government which idled at the Vrede town's show grounds, the state capture commission of inquiry heard on Monday.
Photos of the 4 400 hectare farm and its outbuildings were shown at the commission, with Jankielsohn identifying objects on the map. Furthermore, R1.2 million in public funds were used to buy offices for Estina in Vrede. Estina later sold the offices to a private individual for R1.3 million, said Jankielsohn.
Beneficiaries of the project, whom Qabathe told Jankielsohn were black residents of Vrede and previously disadvantaged, were sidelined in the project and received nothing. "Officials are the ones who appear in court on various charges, not politicians... and we know politicians gave the instructions on this project. There is a culture of fear in the Free State, officials are appointed according to cadre policy. When you start speak out on any malfeasance and corruption, you could be sidelined."
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