South Africa: Yesterday, 21 December 2022, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela deployed a team of administrative Heads of Departments (HODs) and senior management officials to the disaster stricken Jagersfontein.
Over a hundred and sixty nine (169) families were affected by the collapse of the mine dam, which killed people and left others destitute.
The cardinal purpose of today’s engagement with the community was to give feedback on the restoration developments, provide a platform for the community to address any issues that continue to affect them and find a way how best to resolve any prevailing challenges.
The meeting with the community of Jagersfontein was preceded by a meeting between JDA (mine) and Provjoc; a committee composed of HODs for CoGTA, Social Development, DESTEA and also part of the meeting was the Department of Water and Sanitation Provincial Head.
The mine working in partnership with the provincial government, donated Christmas vouchers worth two thousand five hundred rands (R2500) to be used at any retail store of one’s choice, excluding liquor outlets.
In addition, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) also gave each affected family an (R1900) once off saviour grant. To those families who lost loved ones during the disaster, a three thousand eight hundred grant (R3800) was paid out.
“Government has no intention to run; we are with the people of Jagersfontein until there is the full restoration of their town” HOD Tshepiso Ramakarane.
The engagements were led by CoGTA HOD, Mr Tshepiso Ramakarane, ably supported by HOD for DESTEA, Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ, and HOD for Social Development Advocate Tumelo Phahlo. Also present were the HODs for Treasury, Masechaba Sesing and the HOD for Police Roads and Transport, Masego Tshabalala and the HOD of Agricultural and Rural Development, Dr TJ Masiteng.
