The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has established a framework to encourage harmonious coexistence among community members in an effort to alleviate the long-standing racial tensions at the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West.
This development follows a stakeholder engagement meeting led by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, which brought together business owners, state institutions, civil society, and community representatives.
The structure, led by Mahlobo and the North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, aims to resolve issues and promote economic growth. It includes representatives from various stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard.
Previously, The Star reported that a racial war was brewing within the community of Schoemansville, where Afrikaans-speaking people were accused of attempting to drive out black people who were setting up businesses there.
Two black-owned properties had been set on fire allegedly by white Afrikaans people who had been in business competition.
For decades, the dam has served as a hub for business, tourism, and socio-economic activities for locals.
Over the years, the mostly white suburb has seen ugly racial conflicts and tensions from some of the white communities as a result of the area’s attraction of businesses from formerly underprivileged communities.
Mahlobo condemned the acts of violence against business owners and urged law enforcement to act.
“We have had a fruitful meeting with different views from people with different backgrounds but there was a subsequent agreement to establish a structure that will deal decisively with the issues raised during the deliberations.
“We are of the view that this dam, which has become a source of conflict, can become a beacon of hope to many by bringing prosperity. It can also be a reflection of our unified and diversified democratic country, which is non-racist and non-sexist,” Mahlobo said.
The contentious issue, lease agreements on state-owned land, was also addressed. Previously, some business owners held 99-year leases without formal documentation.
The department developed a Lease Policy in 2020 to address this gap. Between 2020 and 2022, four recreational lease agreements were approved.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) has been issued for private and public entities to lease state-owned land and obtain access rights.
“The purpose of the EOI is to provide equal opportunity for all potential applicants and address public concerns regarding transparency, fairness, and competitiveness,” Mahlobo explained.
He expressed satisfaction with the deliberations, believing the structure will bring peace among stakeholders.
“This dam, once a source of conflict, can become a beacon of hope, bringing prosperity and reflecting our unified, diversified democratic country, non-racist and non-sexist.”
A businessman who had his resort, Bubbles Champagne Garden, burnt down and had attended the meeting, said it was a success.
“The meeting with DWS, deputy minister and our traditional leadership, including the community, went exceptionally well and it is clear that the department is committed to ensuring that transformation goes ahead without discriminating against anyone.
“It was also encouraging to hear white community members speaking out against racism and the burning of Bubbles… It was also good to hear progressive engagement about the environment and the firm position of the department,” he said.
The structure’s first sitting is expected early next month, marking a step towards resolving racial tensions and promoting economic growth at the Hartbeespoort Dam.
The Star