President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government would prioritise support for residents whose homes and belongings were destroyed after a mine dam collapsed in Jagersfontein and flooded the area.
“We’re going to investigate, but for now, let us focus on restoring the livelihoods of our people here, with immediate effect. This includes businesses. We are also going to look into whose businesses have been affected and how we’re going to support with [them],” he said.
The president visited the area on Monday to speak with residents and conduct a site inspection.
President @CyrilRamaphosa is spending the afternoon visiting the #Jagersfontein-Charlesville area in the Free State assessing the extent of the damage caused by the mudslide. The President’s visit started off with an aerial surveillance of the affected areas. pic.twitter.com/NfWxlJosVU
— Presidency | South Africa
(@PresidencyZA) September 12, 2022
Ramaphosa said several ministers and MECs were in the area to assess the situation and offer their support. Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe was planning to visit on Tuesday.
Related: Jagersfontein dam disaster latest
“We’re not here only for you to see us, but so I can see what happened and the work done by the premier, MEC, municipality, and other organisations that have been helping and to ensure that we will fix what happened to support you. We won’t abandon you,” the president promised.
He also expressed concern about matric pupils whose studies would be affected.
#Jagersfontein President @CyrilRamaphosa addressing gathering of community members affected by the mudslide disaster in the Jagersfontein-Charlesville area in the Free State. pic.twitter.com/Edxk2iKVQt
— Presidency | South Africa
Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela praised the president for his response.
“My people, we are happy we don’t have a president who cares about the high life and his status. We have a president who told himself he is responsible for looking after his people. Things will get back in place, my people, and every single one of you will get washing material, blankets and other stuff,” she said.
Ramaphosa said residents had expressed disappointment and some had expressed hope.
“You have given us a balanced presentation of hope that government will be here with you, but also, telling us that some of the things could have been addressed,” said Ramaphosa.
“We will investigate what we should have done and what not. Don’t lose hope. The government is going to be here, walking this journey with you.”
#Jagersfontein President @CyrilRamaphosa visiting the area affected by the mudslide. The flooding happened when the Sludge Dam Wall of the mine collapsed and caused massive damage to infrastructure in the area. pic.twitter.com/ixqh4VBj4U
— Presidency | South Africa
Source: News24
