Blasting havoc: TNC farm residents demand answers
Thubelihle community plagued by devastating blasting operations. Homes are collapsing, health is at risk, and livelihoods are being destroyed. The community demands action from the mining company and Department of Mineral Resources.
Residents of Thubelihle, adjacent to TNC Farm, are fed up with the devastating effects of blasting operations that have been wreaking havoc on their homes and lives.
The community claims that the mine fails to provide adequate warning before blasting, leaving them vulnerable to the dangers of flying debris and structural damage.
“We’re not just talking about minor cracks in the walls,” said Nonduduzo Mahlangu, a resident who grew up on the farm. “We’re talking about homes collapsing, people’s lives being put at risk. It’s unacceptable.”
Last year, an elderly man allegedly narrowly escaped injury when his house collapsed after a blasting incident.
He has since been forced to rent in Thubelihle, leaving behind his damaged home.
The community has been seeking answers and relief from the mine since 2018, but promises of relocation, compensation, and job opportunities have been slow to materialize.
“They made promises, but nothing was put in writing,” said Mahlangu. “We’re tired of being taken for granted.”
The situation has become increasingly dire, with residents reporting cracks in their homes, health problems, and even a recent incident where an elderly woman’s house collapsed due to the blasting.
“We’re drinking water from JoJo tanks that are affected by chemicals,” said another resident, Joyce Nkosi. “Our animals are also suffering, drinking from a nearby dam contaminated by the mine’s activities.”
Despite efforts to engage with the Department of Mineral Resources in eMalahleni, the community has been met with silence.
Witbank News has sent a questionnaire to the department but has yet to receive a response. Furthermore, Witbank News has also sent an inquiry to the mining company, seeking comment on the allegations made by the community.
However, at the time of publication, no response had been received.
“We need a solution that will protect our homes, our health, and our livelihoods,” said Mahlangu.
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