Taking action, the Dannhauser Local Municipality, together with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, recently engaged with the community of Clere Farm in Ward 9 over the escalating and seemingly unresolved issue of illegal sand mining within the community.
According to Philani Ndlovu, IDP Manager at the Dannhauser Municipality, this engagement was a response to a meeting held in March. As a result, individuals who introduced themselves as the Clere Community Committee approached the municipality to intervene.
The land in question belongs to Induna, Mama Thandiwe Msimango, a widower who claimed she lost her four children and is now left to fend for her grandchildren from the profits gained through the activity.
The committee accused Msimango of abusing her power as Induna and as the rightful owner of the land by allowing the activities to continue without having any mining rights and obtaining necessary environmental authorisations. Among the concerns raised about the activity was that the land is left exposed and uncovered after excavation, thus posing a threat to the community.
In her response, Msimango presented that as the landowner, she had followed all procedures as she had liaised with the municipality and was also in the process of obtaining the mining licence. While she has not received her licence, Msimango pointed out that the companies she had granted permission to mine the sand had obtained their licences.
Ncamsile Mtshali, an official from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, disputed the above statement of companies having licences. She explained, all the processes that regulate the activity were overlooked both by Msimango and the involved businesses.
When the stakeholders visited the sites, gaping pits and eroded soil where operations have taken place remained an eyesore. Some community members spoke openly about this matter, which has allegedly rendered the area a haven for criminal activities.
Stating this matter has been dragging on since 2015, without a solution in sight. According to residents, these criminal deeds included cars being stolen from neighbouring communities and dumped at these sites.
Moreover, the community is concerned about the safety of their children, as there is a community playground near the excavation site. Another primary concern was the livestock which could not graze freely due to the area being eroded. Looking for solutions at the public engagement, one community member said, “All we call for is that the landowner account for this and relevant stakeholders to play their respective role.”
In conclusion, a follow-up meeting for further engagement was proposed. However, due to the tensions at the meeting running high, it was resolved that a follow-up meeting must involve the SAPS, Department of Land Reform and Community Safety Liaison.
What are your thoughts on illegal sand mining within the Dannhauser area, and how do you feel the matter should be addressed?
Share your views in the comment section below.
RELATED NEWS
