Farmers, Taxi Operators and Businessmen frustrated by abandoned R708

Staff reporter 

Bloemfontein – The farming, taxi and business community in Marquad, Clocolan, Ladybrand and Ficksburg have grown frustrated by Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport in Free State. 

This as the scheduled site meeting for 25 September 2025, was cancelled for no apparent reason. 

On the 10 July 2025, they handed a memorandum to Mr Mtaka after Jabu Mbalula, MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport failed to attend a meeting on the 8 July 2025, which led to a peaceful protest and closure on R708. 

“Ons maak daai pad toe” farmers and taxi operators vow to close R708

According to farmers and taxi operators they held the first meeting post the protest on the 3 August 2025, and none of the promises made were kept. 

A follow up meeting was then scheduled for 25 September 2025, but was cancelled.

Email correspondence between the department and the community rep shows lack of synergy. 

Email sent on the 08 September 2025

Good morning Mr Matena

Thank you for our e-mail.

Please can you forward us the following information regarding the next meeting:

1. Date and Venue

2. Minutes of the previous meeting.

Much appreciated

Response from Matena 10 September 2025:

Good day

Please take note that you will be informed of the date for the next meeting seven days before.

Kind regards

Sello Matena 

Emial Sent 10/09/2025:

Hi Mr Matena

Thank you.

Will we then also receive the minutes of the previous meeting held?

Thank you 

A farmer who shared visuals of the current status of the road said nothing is happening. 

WATCH:

The R274 million tender was awarded to Maphutha Enteprise in November last year. 

Should the farmers, taxi operators and business community shut R708 like Windburg community closed N1 to be taken serious?

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