A steering committee has been established to investigate and address the escalating racial tensions in Hartbeespoort, North West, where locals have clashed over land access and business rights near Hartbeespoort Dam.
Story Summary:
- A multi-stakeholder steering committee has been launched to address racial tensions and business conflicts in Hartbeespoort.
- The committee is tasked with investigating claims of racial exclusion and corruption tied to land leases near Hartbeespoort Dam.
- Tensions have risen as locals clash over land access and economic opportunities in the tourist town.
Hartbeespoort locals blast ‘dirty blacks’ as committee kicks off racism probe
The committee, introduced on Saturday by Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo and North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, includes representatives from various sectors, such as local businesses, state institutions, and civil society groups.
The goal, the deputy minister explained, is to foster cooperation and ensure fair access to the economic opportunities available in the area, which is known for its tourism potential.
Recent community discussions have turned increasingly hostile, with some local residents expressing resentment over government support for black-owned businesses in the area.
Commenting on social media, one resident stated, “And now they (black people) want to take over and stay once again for free and f**k up and dirty everything over there.”
Another added, “They’ve f****d up!! They cannot run countries. Just look north of the Limpopo. All EXACTLY the same.”
What is the source of the tensions in Hartbeespoort?
The Hartbeespoort conflict reached national attention after a black-owned establishment was set on fire in September, causing damages estimated at R2 million.
The arson attack, which is alleged to have been racially motivated, sparked public demonstrations demanding fair access to economic opportunities, particularly for black entrepreneurs who feel excluded from lucrative tourism ventures around Hartbeespoort Dam.
Black business owners claim that established white business owners are using regulations and influence to prevent their entry into the market, limiting access to state-owned land around the dam.
In contrast, white business owners argue that black-owned businesses in the area often fail to comply with municipal bylaws and environmental regulations, adding to the complexities.
Both groups have accused each other of fuelling the hostility, which Deputy Minister Mahlobo condemned during an imbizo held to address community grievances.
“We have to co-exist… Certain people decided not to respect other members of the community, and those other members made a criminal choice to attack each other,” Mahlobo said.
The newly formed committee is tasked with investigating claims of racial exclusion and examining the procedures surrounding controversial 99-year leases previously issued for state-owned land near the dam.
These long-term leases, granted decades ago to predominantly white business owners, are viewed by many black entrepreneurs as a relic of racial exclusion and privilege.
In response, the government has recently introduced a revised lease model that limits tenure to nine years and 11 months, aiming to create more equitable land distribution and discourage monopolisation of these areas.
However, the revised lease structure has met with resistance. Representatives from local associations, such as the Kosmos Village Association, have voiced concerns about the effectiveness of these changes.
Association spokesperson Daan van Heerden criticised the government’s handling of the leases, particularly with regard to issuing temporary occupation permits.
Van Heerden urged the authorities to seek permanent resolutions, cautioning against the use of racial tensions as a means to advance individual interests.
Mahlobo has confirmed that the committee will also investigate allegations of corruption within the Department of Water and Sanitation’s lease issuance process, a point of contention among business owners.
Concerns have arisen over claims that certain leaseholders may have acquired their rights through irregular means.
The committee has begun its work with a clear mandate to mediate between the polarised groups in Hartbeespoort, prioritising land access and business regulations to prevent further conflict.
