“We won’t abandon you,” Ramaphosa tells Jagersfontein residents

Ramaphosa said what happened in Jaggersfontein, a small town 122 kilos outside of Bloemfontein in the Free State was an accident but he also acknowledged that others believe it is a man-made accident.

He said the government will investigate its cause.

“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 them,” said Ramaphosa.

He said several ministers and MECs were in the area to assess the situation and support residents. Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe will visit on Tuesday.

The information on the ground suggests that the death toll remains at one. Further three people, however, are missing, taking the total to four. 

The president told residents.

“We won’t abandon you. Some of you lost your houses, properties, and cars. When I arrived in the military helicopter, we asked to observe the damage. There has been extensive damage.”

“I saw it with my own eyes. I saw overturned cars, and mud from the dam, I saw foundations and realized there were houses there and now they’re gone. We thank God not many people died.”  Said the President.

Ramaphosa said he visited a local hospital and it was “heartbreaking” to see those who were injured.

“Another painful thing is that this affected the education of our children. Matric pupils are supposed to be preparing for their exams and this has affected them.”

Ramaphosa says the government’s focus is to “concentrate on looking after our people and everything that goes with creating and restoring the livelihood of our people”

“Social workers will assess everyone and make sure that everyone is looked after. The department of human settlements and MECs are here to provide alternative accommodation,” said Ramaphosa.

“We will investigate what was supposed to be done and what wasn’t. Don’t lose hope the government is going to be here, walking this journey with you.”

One man, who lives near the dam, says residents have complained about the dam in the past.

The man says he wants an undertaking in “black and white” while the president is still with them that their houses will be rebuilt by the end of October.

WATCH:

This was also shared by Xolani Tseletsele, Executive Mayor of Kopanong Local Municipality a Facebook post that since has gone viral.

A pregnant lady is among 35 injured people with one casualty and 3 still missing. 

In an interview with Bongani Bingwa 702, Kopung Ralikontsane, Director General of Free State Provincial Government said over 200 people have been displaced. 

Explaining what happened Ralikonatsane said it was “unexpected” only for Bingwa to reference the social media posts by ANC councilor last year in February and call FSPG “passive observers”

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The SACP in Free State has also sent out its solidarity to the residents of Jagersfontein in a statement. 

“The SACP urges everyone to lend a helping hand with genuine intentions, restraint and avoid using the situation for publicity and popularity interests. 

The SACP will engage with other stakeholders to work out mechanisms through which anyone can contribute in any form and will actively guard against any misappropriation.”

Our hearts go to the residents of Jagersfonten. 

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