Farm workers sue former Minister
The Industrial Court is yet to set a hearing date in a highly unusual labour dispute involving four former farm workers suing former cabinet minister and Ambassador Dorcas Makgato for unpaid terminal benefits totalling P74,000.
At the heart of the case is a bizarre misstep: the applicants appear not to know the correct legal entity they worked for.
In their filings, they claimed employment at Four Sons Farm, allegedly directed by Makgato. However, records show Makgato’s farm near Mookane is registered as Basimane Bane (Pty) Ltd—not Four Sons.
The four applicants—Kebaagetse Otsile, Sekana Molathiwa, Galefele Bageketse, and Gaolathiwe Seboko—say they worked between 2019 and November 2024, and were denied leave and terminal benefits, all amounting to P74,587.50.
They first lodged complaints with the Mahalapye Labour Office before escalating to the Industrial Court. The case proceeded as a default hearing in June 2024 after neither Makgato nor her farm manager, Kesaobaka Motsatsing, filed a defence.
A default judgment was granted in August 2025, leading to a writ of execution against Four Sons Farm.
Deputy Sheriff Caine Mogorosi attempted to attach property at Makgato’s farm, but workers insisted the goods belonged to Basimane Bane (Pty) Ltd.
Salbany & Torto Attorneys intervened, warning Mogorosi that the attachment was unlawful since their client was not the defendant. The Registrar of the High Court had also reportedly advised that
attachment should halt if ownership evidence was provided.
Faced with legal pressure, Mogorosi suspended the process, telling applicants they must correct the misnamed respondent before proceeding.
On 5 November 2025, the workers filed a motion under Rule 68(1)(c) to amend the respondent to Basimane Bane (Pty) Ltd.
They argue Makgato misled them by referring to her farm as Four Sons, and that by conduct—attending mediation hearings and receiving court documents—she accepted the name.
They further claim “Basimane Bane” is a Setswana translation of “Four Sons,” strengthening their case.
In his affidavit, farm manager Motsatsing rejects the claims, arguing the applicants knew who employed and paid them. He insists Basimane Bane (Pty) Ltd is distinct from Four Sons and denies any deception.
He also argues the application is procedurally defective, as not all applicants are properly cited and the orders sought are incompetent.
Makgato herself has declined to comment, saying only: “They have lodged their application. We have to wait and hear them before the court.”