Resolving racial tensions at the Hartbeespoort Dam has taken a significant step forward with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) establishment of a framework to encourage harmonious coexistence among community members.
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 this week.
Mahlobo also intimated that the government would look into compensating black business people who had lost their properties due to racism and business competition.
The Saturday Star sister newspaper, The Star, previously broke a story that racial war was brewing within the community of Schoemansville in Hartbeespoort where Afrikaans-speaking people were accused of attempting to drive out black people who were setting up businesses there.
This after two black-owned properties having been torched recently.
For decades, the dam has been a hub for business, tourism, and socio-economic activities, but it has also been plagued by racial conflicts and tensions. The mostly white suburb has seen ugly incidents, including the burning of two black-owned properties, allegedly by white Afrikaans people who felt threatened by business competition.
The new framework, led by Mahlobo and North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, aims to address these issues and promote economic growth. It includes representatives from various stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard. Mahlobo condemned the acts of violence against business owners and urged law enforcement to act.
A key issue addressed was lease agreements on state-owned land. 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.
The structure's first sitting is expected early next month, marking a significant step towards resolving racial tensions and promoting economic growth at the dam.
“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,” Mahlobo said
He condemned the 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
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 to take place the first of November.
Saturday Star
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