Tug of war between people of Rietspruit and the municipality

The community of Rietspruit held a meeting at the old training centre to try and find a way forward that would be in the best interest of the community.

On October 22 the masses gathered to get their grievances off their chests by voicing out their complaints about the area which include the demolishing of a recreational club, swimming pool, old library and a boxing stadium.

Amongst those attended was the community leader of Rietspruit Mr Joseph Nzimande and Mr Christian Mosala who is a community specialist at South32 South Africa.

On the agenda, Mosala who was leading the meeting had different sections that were discussed and when he touched on the demolishing sub section a number of hands were seen where most community members had one question in mind which was what will happen to the place when all these buildings that are supposed to better the community are now turned into dust? A woman further added that she was concerned about the buildings that have been demolished as they have become a hiding spot for criminals and it is also a health hazard to the community.

Mosala responded by saying unfortunately the mine does not own any piece of the land anymore.

“From 2003 this has been a proclaimed township. We have donated these empty spaces which results in us not being able to solve certain problems that you might come across. The place now belongs to the municipality and we do not know as yet what their plans are concerning the demolishing of buildings,” said Mosala.

The issue of employment also came into the picture when a concerned community member suggested that the youth of Rietspruit be employed in helping with the demolitions.

This is where Rietspruit’s swimming pool was situated before being demolished.

Mosala was quick to reply and said as a company they have to first consider safety issues and that is the reason why unfortunately they cannot hire the community as training them will take time.

“We cannot afford to risk people’s lives,” said Mosala.

Nzimande said their question was simple; they wanted to know what would happen to the buildings that had been demolished and as a community leader he owed it to his people to retrieve what they had.

“The buildings were beneficial to the community. The swimming pool and the boxing stadium were a place where young ones could relax and unwind and now those places are gone. There is also the issue of youth unemployment. Many of our children are not working; they laze around at home doing nothing. This town used to be regarded as one of the best looking towns with high class facilities but now all of that is gone. We demand answers,” said Nzimande.

What is left of the boxing stadium.

The day ended with Mosala promising to take the presented ideas and questions to his seniors and would provide feedback in their next meeting. With regards to unemployment he tasked the youth that was present to write proposals of the kind of ideas and funding assistance they would need. “

I will make it point that I forward your requests,” concluded Mosala.

Spokesperson of the municipality did not reply to the questions sent by the time of going to press.