SASOLBURG – Chaos erupted in Sasolburg last week as angry residents took to the streets to protest the Sasol firm’s hiring of locals before bringing in outsiders.
The protest, which started in the early hours of May 12, saw several arterial roads blocked with rocks and debris.
Furious demonstrators raised concerns about a high unemployment rate in their township and alleged corporate neglect.
Ster visited the area on May 13, where dozens carried placards, singing and chanting as they demonstrated amid a growing sense of unrest.
Community leader JJ Sesing posted images of the interruptions when they disrupted operations.
Speaking to the media, Sesing said, “The ball is in Sasol’s court. We just hope they will make proper decisions and we find a way forward.”
“Everyone is on the edge, unemployment is at its peak, and Sasol needs to do the right thing. It makes no sense to hire people from outside when you have a derivable of 80%. It makes no sense to bring companies from the outside when you know you have to empower fenceline communities,” he said.
Fellow leaders accuse Sasol of turning a blind eye to local struggles, despite multiple memorandums and pleas delivered to their gates.
Fezile Dabi Unemployment Forum Chairperson Tyron Motaung said, “Since 2019, we’ve handed over several memorandums and engaged the municipality as well on our grievance. Response is always the same, and we listen. We have pleaded with the company to meet service providers, but they don’t give us what we want.”
“All we want is the company to listen to our cries and explain why we are overlooked.”
Six protesters were arrested since the protest started on charges of public violence and contravention of the Gatherings Act.
Fezile Dabi police spokesperson, Sergeant Josephine Rani, confirmed the arrests.
“Six people, including three males and three females, were arrested. Their arrest comes after a group of protesters blocked the entrance of the Sasol firm,” she said.
Despite a right of reply issued to Sasol on the matter, at the time of going to print, the company had not responded.