Three Years Later, Jagersfontein Residents Still Wait for Dam Collapse Compensation

Three Years Later, Jagersfontein Residents Still Wait for Dam Collapse Compensation

It has been three years since the Jagersfontein dam collapse devastated a Free State community, yet many residents say they are still waiting for the compensation they were promised.

When the Jagersfontein Development Mine’s tailings dam burst in September 2022, sludge swept through the town, destroying houses, businesses, and cars. Three people died, along with livestock that many families depended on for their livelihoods.

The mine initially announced a R150 million fund to compensate victims. But residents claim their applications have been rejected or ignored, leaving them without relief.

Farmers left with nothing

For livestock farmer Lefa Shale, the collapse wiped out a business he had built after retiring from the police service. He lost 11 sheep and six cows, valued at more than R70,000.

“They were supposed to pay me, but I no longer have hope,” Shale told The Citizen. “This was going to be my family’s livelihood for the rest of our lives.”

He is one of 43 livestock farmers listed in documents alleging they have not received any payment.

Families still waiting for household claims

Another resident, Thembile Saula, says he lost furniture worth about R500,000 and that his house developed deep cracks after the flood. He claims multiple meetings with mine officials ended in broken promises.

“I believe that we should be compensated,” Saula said, explaining that he has been asking for his house to be rebuilt.

Small businesses also hit hard

Local entrepreneur Ntsela Motsepe, who ran a clay brick business, says he lost R15,000 in equipment and stock. He even took his case to the small claims court, but the mine’s representative dismissed his evidence.

“When the disaster happened, we had bricks ready to be delivered,” Motsepe explained. “My working equipment was also damaged, and I have never recovered.”

A community losing patience

The frustration in Jagersfontein reflects a wider issue in South Africa: mining companies promising relief after disasters, but victims waiting years for justice. Residents say their lives remain disrupted, while the mine continues operations.

On social media, many South Africans have voiced solidarity with the affected families, calling the situation “a disgrace” and demanding government intervention to hold the mine accountable.

For residents like Shale, Saula, and Motsepe, the promises of 2022 remain unfulfilled. “We are still waiting,” Shale said, “but no one is listening.”

{Source: TheCitizen}

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