Tunatazama - Community Monitors

Free StateMatjhabengSouth AfricaWelkom

COOPERATIVES FOR THE PEOPLE OF JAGERSFONTEIN

Makhotla Sefuli

COOPERATIVES FOR THE PEOPLE OF JAGERSFONTEIN

 

Jagersfontein remains on the periphery of the economic food chain, despite all the commitments and promises made by government and politicians after visiting that small mining town.That was immediately after the disaster hit the town during September of 2022.

 

After the extensive research that we undertook regarding the future of mining in that town, we came to a conclusion that the future is not looking good for the youth around that place. We had to find an alternative for the youth of Jagersfontein and bring them hope. The only thing that we could do was to form a cooperative that will be beneficial to everyone who was affected by the disaster. The young people were very enthusiastic about the initiative and they embarked on it with vigour and very stoicism. The event took place over two days and the engagement was very intense, we were able to unearth a lot of talent and hidden skills.

 

The people of Jagersfontein have never known anything except diamond mining and their community is very poor. Mining has historically been the largest employer after government and agriculture. The initiative to form a cooperative is seen as the only alternative for the youth who have lost hope in the future after the decline of mining.

The negotiations with local government to avail the land are at an advanced stage and the letter has been sent to the office of the mayor, we’re still waiting for the response.

 

The aim with this project is to form an entity that will focus on various skills development such as agriculture, construction and hospitality. The aim is to commence work as soon as the land is available and the cooperative has been registered.

 

As society and as mining affected communities, we believe that just transition must happen at our door steps instead of waiting for unrealistic government programs. Alternative economies are the future, and it is the duty of civil society to ensure that community interest are always put before those of big capital.