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The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Free State Province expresses its message of sincere solidarity with the community of Jagersfontein following a dreadful mining tragedy at JDP Mine in Kopanong Local Municipality.

A sludge dam at the diamonds mine gave-way on Sunday, 11th September 2022, releasing floods of sludge that swept through residential areas, destroying houses, vehicles, livestock, public infrastructure such as water treatment facility, sewer systems, electricity substations and roads and contaminating water resources.

Sadly, there has also been a fatality confirmed thus far, with many other people being injured and hospitalised. The SACP extends condolences to the bereaved family and wishes speedy recovery to the injured.

The SACP in the province is of the strong view that the tragedy occurred primarily due to negligence by the mine management because the cracks and instabilities of the dam were well known. The SACP, working with the workers and communities, have raised grave concerns with mine management around the dangers associated with this sludge dam, dust and water pollution during our march to the mine. This tragedy was avoidable, and only capitalist greed for profits at the expense of people’s health, the environment and safety fundamentals are the primary cause.

Consequently, the SACP calls for the bosses to be held responsible and fully accountable for their dereliction of duty and negligence, and for their prosecution where justifiable. The mining company must shoulder the full responsibility of all costs associated with this tragedy, and this must include medical provision, decent housing, reconstruction of all affected private and public infrastructure, provision of all necessary means of livelihood for the affected communities as well as replacement and financial compensation for their losses. We call on the government and all relevant stakeholders to prioritise the restoration of normalcy and well-coordinated restoration of social and other services.

The SACP also calls for an inter-Ministerial intervention team, inclusive of Departments of Mineral Resources and Energy, Environmental Affairs, Employment and Labour, Human Settlement, Home Affairs and relevant provincial and local government departments as well as civil society stakeholders to work collectively in a coordinated and complementary manner to assist the community of Kopanong. This must include a deeper investigation into the operations of the facility, ensuring that appropriate health and safety requirements are in place and that the workers are treated and remunerated fairly. Beyond addressing the immediate challenges, the interventions must also focus on investment in productive sectors and infrastructure development to trigger economic activity in the area.

The SACP commends Party structures for their swift intervention on the ground and the selfless support by the activist Mayor of Kopanong Local Municipality, Xolani Tseletsele and other role players, in working with the community and extending a helping hand to affected families.

The SACP urges everyone to lend a helping hand with genuine intentions, display restraint and avoid using the situation for publicity and popularity interests. The SACP will engage with other stakeholders to work out mechanisms through which anyone can make a contribution in any form and will actively guard against any misappropriation.

Issued by the SACP Free State