The Harties Shutdown Movement has called for urgent action to address what it calls “deep-rooted racial tension” at Hartbeespoort in North West.

Chairperson Motape Motokwe attributed the ongoing conflict to the legacy of apartheid, saying the current generation residing in Hartbeespoort has inherited both the advantages and disadvantages of colonisation. 

Recent incidents, including properties reportedly being set on fire, have heightened the racial divide, with accusations that some “Afrikaans-speaking individuals” are attempting to displace black residents and their businesses, he claimed.

But Pieter Rautenbach, a resident and former mayor, alleged that some well-connected gang members cut open fences in the area, installed gates and illegally erected buildings. He said there’s no confirmation of property being torched as it’s suspected an electrical fault caused the fire, but investigations continue. 

“We are one of the most integrated towns in South Africa,” Rautenbach claimed. “We’ve got more than 40 security estates around the dam, and people are living in harmony with each other. But these people, they are cutting fences here. They are putting up buildings in front of residents, cutting off the view of the residents, and without going to a tender process.”

Systematic barriers

Motokwe believed “the issue of apartheid” continued to manifest in Hartbeespoort in three key areas: land ownership, social inequality, and economic exclusion. One prominent example is the ongoing challenges faced by Thabiso Mathibedi, the owner of the Bubbles restaurant. 

Mathibedi said he’d faced resistance from the white community since receiving permission in 2018 to occupy land near the Hartbeespoort Dam. “Systemic barriers” are being placed in the way of black business owners seeking licenses to operate.

Hartbeespoort, where racial tensions are growing. Foto: Pretoria News

Rautenbach said the owner of Bubbles wanted a lease, but as the business was on state land, such an application must go through a tender process even for rental purposes. “That’s the issue. They want a lease agreement. But you can’t just take land. You must go through the processes and put a building.

“Mr Thabiso put up a building right in front of a five-star guest house and the view is gone. The guy got an eviction order, but it was not implemented. But fact is, as far as that building is concerned, I spoke to the police. They said (the cause of the fire) looks like an electrical fault.”

Nothing to with racism

Rautenbach said Thabiso has claimed R2 million from his insurance for the building, which was illegal. “He couldn’t erect the building. He’s got no approval from the municipality. It’s illegal. He can’t put up a building.” The issues with land use around the dam had “nothing to do with racism. It’s got to do with people who are just claiming land.”

Menahwile, Motokwe alleged local authorities, including the police and security companies, are involved in enforcing restrictions that disproportionately impact black-owned businesses. “These businesses are being prevented from operating freely. 

‘The Harties Shutdown Movement has planned a major march’

“Police are preventing black businesses from getting licenses, and security companies ensure that people don’t operate during certain hours, which is inconsistent with existing laws.”

Despite raising these concerns with Madibeng Municipality and various government departments since 2018, including water and sanitation, Motokwe said no action has been taken. The Harties Shutdown Movement has planned a major march for Friday (27/9), marking the fourth such demonstration. 

The group aims to bring the area to a standstill to force a conversation on race relations and development. “You can’t have conversations on issues of race and development while everything continues as normal. Our approach is to ensure that everything stands still, and everyone can have a conversation so that things can move forward,” Motokwe said.

Llaw enforcement agencies are investigating the incidents, with Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, labelling the unrest as criminal activity. Local black business owners, such as entrepreneur Hartley Ngoato, have expressed frustration, accusing white residents of attempting to monopolise economic opportunities around Hartbeespoort Dam.

Ngoato claimed efforts to exclude black business owners are deliberate and systemic, with white residents benefiting from the local economy while blocking others from accessing the same opportunities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg/mc