The small town was affected by the mine dam collapse in September last year. More than 200 people were displaced, over 100 houses were destroyed, and two lives were lost while another remains missing. 

While addressing residents following his service delivery oversight visit, Deputy President Paul Mashatile revealed that the Jagersfontein Development Project (JDP) mine pledged to build houses for displaced residents in the coming six months. He emphasised the importance of creating job opportunities for residents of Jagersfontein to revive the economy of the town and also to be able to maintain their homes. He said one of the projects that the provincial government is looking into is investing in the solar system project which will create 6000 jobs in the area.

The stakeholder relations officer and spokesperson of JDP, Billy Bilankulu, said 70% of people employed in their mines are from Jagersfontein, while 30% are those with scarce skills which cannot be found in the area.

Mashatile pleaded with residents to work hand in hand with the government and mine in the process of rebuilding houses and the economy of their town. He revealed that investments worth over R15 billion are coming to the Xhariep District.

The Department of Agriculture has earmarked R4 million for agricultural purposes in Kopanong for the immediate future. The funds will be directed toward assisting small-scale farmers who lost some of their livestock, animal feed, water reticulation and fencing.

The community of Jagersfontein had also been struggling with water supply. After visiting the water treatment plant, Mashatile informed residents that officials from Bloem Water informed him that the water levels in the area were reduced as a result of a lack of revenue collection. Mashatile reiterated the importance of creating jobs for residents so that services can be paid for and grow the economy.

Meanwhile, DA councillor in the Kopanong Local Municipality Estelle Noordman stated that it has been 238 days since the Jagersfontein Disaster, and there is still nothing to show from the false promises made by President Ramaphosa and Minister Mantashe who too showed face and completed a tick-box exercise.

“The lack of progress in the area is unacceptable and has had a significant effect on the community, with the trauma of the tragedy still affecting families. One child was admitted to the hospital due to trauma, and two people are still missing. The authorities' lack of action prolongs the residents' suffering and hinders their ability to rebuild their lives,” said Noordman.

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