The South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco) in the North West has refused to meet with Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, following ongoing racial tensions in the Hartbeespoort Dam area. Mahlobo had sought to engage business owners around the dam to address growing concerns.
Black residents and business owners have voiced their dissatisfaction over perceived racial discrimination, with accusations that white residents continue to dominate the local business landscape. Some black business owners have claimed that they are being undermined and are facing resistance in their efforts to establish themselves in the area.
Motape Motokwe, chairperson of the Harties Shutdown, revealed that the group did not attend the meeting with Mahlobo as they felt their concerns were previously ignored. Motokwe stated that the Department of Water and Sanitation failed to address their grievances when a memo was submitted outlining the community’s struggles and possible solutions. He also accused the department of engaging with groups opposing the protest, while remaining silent on the protesters’ issues.
Among the concerns raised by Motokwe are eviction notices and court cases that black residents face, with accusations that the Department of Water and Sanitation is complicit in the injustices. Additionally, longstanding territorial disputes, such as the one involving Hartley Ngoato, owner of Legacy Resort, have fueled tensions. Ngoato recently won a court case after being threatened with a gun by a white man over a property dispute.
Ngoato and other black business owners have complained that they face hurdles in acquiring land and operating businesses in Hartbeespoort, describing the situation as a “class war.” They further allege that some white residents benefit from free water, while black residents struggle with inadequate sanitation, which poses significant health risks, particularly for women and children.
Motokwe emphasized the need for government entities to engage with the community and called for a multi-stakeholder forum to regularly discuss these pressing issues. “Resolving these challenges requires ongoing programmes and activities,” he said, underscoring the importance of consistent dialogue.