TZANEEN – A proposed fuel station development along the R71 at the Houtbosdorp turnoff in Magoebaskloof has sparked concern among local residents and environmental groups, who fear it could pose risks to both safety and the environment.

Despite these objections, developer Makgoba Asset Management (MAM) says the issues have been thoroughly addressed in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is currently with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) for consideration.

A petition opposing the development has been launched on Change.org, garnering over 1 500 signatures by Tuesday. It will be submitted to Ledet to support objections to the proposed project.

MAM is a joint venture between the Makgoba community and agricultural giant ZZ2, operating under a long-term lease agreement with the Mamphoku Makgoba Community Trust (MMCT).

The original plan was to renovate a dilapidated fuel station on the Dieplaagte site, near the Makgoba Afrika avocado project at the bottom of the pass. However, in June last year, ZZ2 director BJ van Zyl told the Herald that Sanral rejected that location due to safety concerns over the access road.

“Given the ongoing need for a fuel station in the area, we negotiated with Sanral for an alternative site,” Van Zyl said.

The new location will be leased by MAM from property owner Rudi Viljoen of Warriors Academy. It is said the lease terms still have to be negotiated.

Concerns raised by local stakeholders, listed as Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs), were highlighted in a post by the Mountain Environmental Watch Facebook group on July 6. The two main objections are environmental risks and traffic safety.

Firstly, residents are worried about the nearby Helpmekaar River wetland and the potential for water pollution, which could impact downstream users and threaten endangered species such as the Cape Parrot, posing a risk to the area’s eco-tourism appeal.

Secondly, the proposed location sits on a blind rise along a bend in the R71, which is already considered a high-accident zone, especially during misty conditions. The development, which includes a 24-hour filling station, would increase traffic at an already dangerous junction. Some access routes would require vehicles to cross the centre line on this bend, further raising safety concerns, the post on Facebook states.

However, MAM’s project manager, Martin van Veenen, says these objections have been taken seriously and addressed in the EIA. The site’s access road has been redesigned to improve safety, he said, adding that many community members have expressed support for the development, though some hesitate to do so publicly due to fear of backlash.

According to Van Veenen, about 60 responses were received following the announcement of the development, with several being supportive.

“Our consultants followed the required process closely, and a detailed explanation of the project was presented to residents at a closed meeting in Haenertsburg three months ago,” he told the Herald.

Attempts to contact the creator of the Change.org petition, listed as Jeff Jeffries, were unsuccessful. It was revealed that the name is a pseudonym used by a local resident living below the proposed development site, allegedly out of fear of intimidation.

The petition, titled “Protect Magoebaskloof – South Africa’s Green Gem Under Threat,” remains active on Change.org.

M A K G O B A   R E S P O N D

Makgoba spokesperson, Thupane Makgoba, says every effort has been made to ensure the development of the fuel station on the R71 in Magoebaskloof complies with regulations and safeguards the environment.

“We understand the concerns, but we want to assure the public that every step is being taken to address them,” said Makgoba.

He explained to the Herald that both Sanral and the Roads Agency Limpopo (Ral) had approved the proposed road safety and access solutions. Additionally, he confirmed that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted to ensure the project complies with environmental regulations.

Responding to concerns about accidents near the proposed site, Makgoba noted that the area has a long-standing history of road incidents.

“Accidents have always happened there. People avoid using George’s Valley Road because it hasn’t been repaired. I don’t believe the fuel station itself would be the cause of any accidents,” he said.

He clarified that their role in the development is limited to licencing. “We are the license holders, like owners, but we won’t be running the business,” he told the Herald.

Makgoba emphasised that the project goes beyond building infrastructure; it’s about creating opportunities.

“This development will bring jobs and essential services to the people of Magoebaskloof. It’s not just a fuel station; it’s an investment in a sustainable future for the community. And we’re not doing this alone, we’re partnering with ZZ2.”

He added that the final design of the development will follow eco-conscious principles, including landscaping that blends with the area’s natural beauty.

Makgoba called for continued dialogue with the community to maintain transparency and ensure concerns are addressed as the project progresses.

“We are committed to doing this right, with the community and for the community,” he concluded.