Authorities have launched investigations into violent incidents in Hartbeespoort, North West, amid rising racial tensions.

Properties were reportedly set on fire in a conflict allegedly driven by attempts by some “Afrikaans-speaking individuals” to displace black residents and their businesses. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the matter, which has been labeled as criminal activity by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo.

Mahlobo emphasised that the events should not be seen merely as racial tensions but rather as acts of criminality that require firm legal intervention. He also highlighted the historical injustices surrounding the use of South Africa’s dams, including Hartbeespoort Dam, built over a century ago.

Local communities excluded

“The dams belong to the state, and because of apartheid, they were used on a racial basis,” Mahlobo explained. He added that the government has taken decisive steps to reverse this legacy by granting local communities access to these facilities for economic opportunities in tourism, recreation, and agriculture.

Mahlobo further explained that historically, many of these areas were subject to 99-year leases awarded to white individuals under apartheid. However, the government has since cancelled these leases and introduced new agreements promoting equity and transformation.

‘There are issues of racial tension in Hartbeespoort, particularly around the dam’

Despite this, some residents have resisted, with ongoing court battles challenging the lease terminations.

“There are issues of racial tension in Hartbeespoort, particularly around the dam, where some people have been fighting our decision to terminate the 99-year leases. They lost in court, and the matter is now at the Supreme Court,” Mahlobo noted.

He also highlighted that temporary lease agreements are in place, restricting permanent construction until the new lease arrangements are fully processed.

‘The department is part of the problem’

Business owners in the area have expressed frustration, claiming they are being deliberately excluded from participating in the local economy. Hartley Ngoato, a local entrepreneur, accused white residents of trying to monopolize the economic benefits of the dam.

“They are trying to deny us access to the dam economy so that it remains in white hands. This is despite the dam being 100% government-funded and owned.

The department is part of the problem, as they allow white residents to occupy government land without following proper procedures,” said Ngoato.

A business was set on fire in a conflict allegedly driven by attempts by some "Afrikaans-speaking individuals" to displace black residents and their businesses. Photo: Screenshot

He criticised the government for applying different standards to black and white applicants seeking access to government land.

Meanwhile North West Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism MEC, Bitsa Lenkopane, condemned the recent violence in Hartbeespoort and acknowledged the racial tensions at play. 

She confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the police have been alerted to the situation.

‘We are committed to supporting Mekgareng and Oberon in advancing this project’

Lenkopane addressed the broader transformation efforts underway in Hartbeespoort, particularly through the Mekgareng Communal Property Association (MCPA) and the Oberon Development. 

Following the return of around 400 hectares of land to black communities, the government has allocated R70 million for developing the area into a “smart city” with office parks, a five-star hotel, and tourism infrastructure.

“The transformation is ongoing, and we are committed to supporting Mekgareng and Oberon in advancing this significant project,” Lenkopane stated.

OFM News/Kekeletso mvh