WeeklySA_AdminAddress: Committee appointed to address right-wing attacks on black businesses…
By Monk Nkomo and SA News
The legacy of colonialism and apartheid is still deep-rooted in the minds of a number of white people in Hartebeespoortdam in North West where Black business owners continue to bear the brunt of economic oppression simply because of their race.
So far the facts that had been laid bare before all and sundry is that a group of Afrikaans-speaking people – driven by hatred against a Black person – have been on the rampage ever since the dawn of democracy in 1994 trying to deny Black people access to land at the dam’s shoreline. This has resulted in racial tensions that have now reached boiling point.
Several businesses owned by Blacks have been torched and destroyed allegedly by whites. These businesses included the famous resort, Bubbles, owned by Thabiso Mathibedi and a nearby restaurant belonging to a Black businesswoman. Police have promised to investigate. No arrests have been made.
These gory acts of arson and intimidation and attempted murder are happening at a time when this country celebrates 30 years of democracy. Democracy that was achieved through blood, tears and death and lengthy jail terms for those who took up arms to liberate this country from the shackles of the abominable policy of racial segregation – apartheid.
These whites who are perpetrating these racist acts against Black business owners must be reminded that apartheid was declared a crime against humanity by the United Nations and therefore their actions are punishable by law.
They should also be reminded that the consequences of anger could result in unnecessary fatalities and injuries because anger, as the saying goes, is nothing more than an outward expression of hurt, fear and frustration.
South Africa is a free country and those whites who are still living in the laager must be flushed out and be educated that racism, which has been part of the social fabric of our country, has been abolished because it is an evil system. It is abominable. Black people cannot continue to bear the brunt of racism in this era.
Black South African citizens have the same political and economic rights as whites to apply to live and operate businesses at any area legally prescribed by the law. They do not need permission from a particular group of Afrikaners who think they control certain parts of the land owned by the government simply because they had previously enjoyed these benefits under the minority apartheid government.
After years of protests and ugly confrontations and with their pleas falling on deaf ears, a group of Black business owners recently staged a protest march to highlight their plight to the authorities. They had had enough. They expressed their frustrations of being excluded from the local economy by a group of white residents.
Hartley Ngoato, a local businessman was quoted as saying that these whites wanted to monopolize the economic benefits around the dam – which is a tourist attraction. ‘’ They are denying us access to the dam economy so that it remains in their hands. This is despite the dam being owned 100 percent by the government.’’
This is not only frustrating. It is criminal and the government must swiftly intervene to stop these racist acts that could eventually lead to unnecessary fatalities . After months of fruitless meetings to try to resolve the matter, all the interested parties as well as other stakeholders including government officials, community and religious leaders, an agreement was finally reached to appoint a committee to investigate and propose solutions to the impasse.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, stressed however that the Hartebeespoort Dam issue followed the historical injustices surrounding the use of South Africa’s dams.
‘’ The dams’’, he added, ‘’ belong to the State and because of apartheid, they were used on a racial basis. This government has taken a decisive step to reverse this legacy by granting local communities access to these facilities for economic opportunities and tourism, recreation and agriculture.’’
Historically, many of these areas were subject to 99 -year leases awarded to white individuals under apartheid. ‘’ The government has since cancelled these leases and introduced new agreements promoting equity and transformation.’’
It is heartening that a multi-stakeholder steering committee has now been established to address these burning issues at Hartbeespoort Dam.
Mahlobo and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, have launched the committee to look into different issues affecting the stakeholders operating their business at state-owned land around the dam and settlements around the water resource.
By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the committee sought to encourage economic development and opportunities for all and to ensure the sustainability and health of the dam.
The committee will also address disputes among businesses operating at the dam and will strive to promote the harmonious use of the state-owned land and access to dam economy.
The committee, to be co-chaired by the Department of Water and Sanitation and North West Provincial Government, will include the representatives from the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Madibeng Local Municipality, civic organisations, non-profit organisations and non-governmental organisations, as well as business, environmental and religious organisations.
Mahlobo emphasised the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding in addressing the complex challenges facing the Hartbeespoort Dam community.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation views this initiative as a critical step towards resolving long-standing issues and promoting inclusive economic growth and development in the area. As the steering committee begins its work, stakeholders and communities can look forward to positive transformations in the Hartbeespoort Dam area. The committee will further contribute to the ongoing efforts to restore the dam’s ecosystem and ensure its long-term health.”
Mahlobo added that the collaborative effort demonstrates government’s commitment to engage with various stakeholders and work towards solutions that benefit all. The Department of Water and Sanitation remained committed to transparency and open communication and will continue to provide updates on the progress of the steering committee and its initiatives, ensuring that the members of the public are informed about developments in the Hartbeespoort Dam area.
The department has developed a comprehensive lease policy to manage leases in the area and all its dams. The policy seeks to address previous gaps and ensure transparency for the businesses and individuals utilising state-owned land under the custodianship of the department.
The department advertised an Expression of Interest with a closing date of 31 July this year, inviting all interested parties to apply for the use of state land at its dams. Mokgosi highlighted the province’s commitment to support initiatives that will bring development and improvement to the area for local residents.
The committee is expected to report back as soon as possible on its proposals to end the racial tension that has gripped the North West’s tourism hub. Their priority is to address racism which has been part of the social fabric of our country. What the Black and white business owners in Hartebeespoort Dam need now is to operate their businesses freely and to live in harmony as this is a democratic country. They should not allow colour, race or nationality determine their destiny. They need to live in peace. The scourge of racism must be laid to rest. To the group of whites who have been driven by racism and anger against their fellow human beings, be reminded that anger is nothing but a good instrument that is being used to destroy and not to build.
According to the Buddha ‘’ Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else – you are the one who gets burned.’’
How true.
