The University of the Free State regard Jagersfontein a disaster

Thabo Ishmael Choledi

As an activist and a victim, I already have a relationship with the University of the Free State because of the collaboration with Ntate David van Wyk from the Benchmark Foundation due to the disaster that occurred in our town. As a monitor, I was visited by the University where they have planned for a photo exhibition to display our history and also share our stories with the world about what we have experienced from the disaster.

There is still more work to be done together with the University to bring back people’s lives and also restore our town. I’m happy to see the University giving support but it is not enough, because we are looking forward to making sure that we all get compensated from the mine also the government must make sure the Mine is held accountable also the information must be published.

Our discussion Is about how to start a new Development plan and put it in place also to teach the people to depend on themselves, now since we have registered an Agricultural cooperative which is by the name of Ntlafatso ya Batho Batsho which already exists by supplying the residents with food like Morogo (Spinach) and spice for the Bangladesh people, now we are looking forward Government to provide us with a piece of land so that we can grow bigger with our plan.

We also urged the University to establish a commission of inquiry so that we resolve the matter already as I write there is a protest on the way by the community as a result Mine irresponsibility. Really the people are angry about how the matter is being handled and also to see the government not interested in holding this Mine accountable.

Since 2009 this mine has had only violations of Human Rights, where people are arrested for nothing and the cases disappeared from courts people continue to suffer because of the mine and also our cases from CCMA, Labour also disappeared and the issue of small-scale miners who are being oppressed, abused and arrested by Police Officials it’s also our biggest concerns.