Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
27 March 2024
A number of frustrated residents in and around Holfontein farm in Trichardt blocked the road leading to Isibonelo Mine and Syferfontein Mine with stones and burning tyres on Tuesday morning, 26 March 2024.
Protesters, most of them being youth, said they will continue with the protest until both mines meet their demands, including job opportunities and a skills development Centre.
Leaders of the committee elected by the community said they have been engaging with the mines for some time now, and all they were given were unfulfilled promises.
“I don’t understand how these people forget nearby residents and jump to residents from eMbalenhle, Kinross, or Secunda,” said Mr Ntshangase, leader of the elected committee.
Mr Ntshangase further stated that it is unfair for the residents, as they also have children and families to provide for.
“Our children need transportation and pocket money for school.
We are dying from hunger,” said Ntshangase.
Members were informed that the protest and memorandum yielded some positive results, as the representatives of both mines agreed to have a formal meeting with the committee.
The elected committee will have a follow up meeting and update the community members on the way forward.
