MATSAPHA:Inyatsi Group of Companies Chairman Michello Shakantu has taken over the Eswatini Meat Industries(SMI) known as “Embiveni” Matsapha, an independent investigation reveals.
A questionnaire was sent to the Inyatsi Director, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
But information in our possession suggest that, Inyatsi Group of Companies started operating at Embiveni on or around the 18th July 2023, company employees are now rendering their services under new Directors and Shareholders.
But, one of the employees who spoke to this Swaziland News earlier this week alleged that, the previous employer did not pay them their terminal benefits.
“We were not paid our terminal benefits and when we approached the new employer Inyatsi, the Management told us to resolve our payment issues with the previous employer. The Management said, we won’t be fired but, as the new employer, they are not,in any way, involved in the payment our terminal benefits”, said the eMbiveni employee.
Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, Zandile Dlamini, the new Eswatini Meat Industries(SMI) General Manager who was allegedly deployed by Inyatsi Group of Companies said, the issue of the workers terminal benefits “is pending before court”, and therefore, she asked not to comment.
“The matter of the workers terminal benefits is pending before court hence it won’t be proper for me to comment”, said the General Manager.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Tuesday evening, Wander Mkhonza, the Secretary General of the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland(ATUSWA) said, he was also aware that Inyatsi Group of Companies has taken over the Eswatini Meat Industries.
But, the ATUSWA Secretary General clarified that, when a company changes Directors and/or owners, the previous owner must pay the workers their terminal benefits.
“The Employment Act suggests that,when a company changes ownership, the previous owner must pay the workers their terminal benefits.In the event, the previous owner fails to pay, the new owner is legally obligated to do so within thirty(30) days. We have worked with Inyatsi on a similar matter at Maloma Mine, the workers were paid and we hope even on this matter, the employees will receive their terminal benefits as per the provisions of the law. But,we have gathered that, the matter is now before court, we hope it will be handled in the interest of justice so that, workers can receive their monies,” said the ATUSWA Secretary General.
On another note, insiders within Inyatsi Group of Companies told this publication this week that, the take-over will enable emaSwati to sell their cattle to the Eswatini Meat Industries(SMI) at a very competitive price, SMI exports beef to the European market.
Competitive pricing refers to the selection of strategic prices and this, is based on the market value and competition either in the local and/or global market.
But,the competitive prices might fluctuate based on, among others, the global currency exchange rate and/or the demand of the product in the global market.
“This is a great opportunity for emaSwati to venture into the business of feedlots, eMbiveni will now buy cattle at a very competitive price considering the demand in the European market”, said the insider within Inyatsi.
Nathie Dlamini, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Business Eswatini(BE) told this Swaziland News on Wednesday morning that, he was also aware of the change of ownership and/or shareholding at Eswatini Meat Industries.
The Business Eswatini CEO said, he was yet to receive more details regarding the change of Directors at SMI and thereafter, he would be in a better position to comment.
”I am aware of the change of ownership at the Eswatini Meat Industries but, I’m yet to receive more details. Perhaps, thereafter, I will be in a better position to comment”, said the Business Eswatini CEO.
Inyatsi Chairman Michello Shakantu.