Residents refuse to relocate to make way for mining

A fight has erupted between Mpumalanga farm residents and a coal mine after they refused to relocate to make way for mining activities.

- Masoka Dube

The residents of Hartbeesfontein Farm near Delmas said their problem started in 2010 after the farm was sold to Seriti Resources.

It is alleged that as soon as the mine moved in, the company ordered everyone to relocate, but a few families with livestock refused, demanding the allocation of enough grazing land and bigger kraals to accommodate their animals.

Piet Mahlangu, who owns more than 15 cattle, said he was ready to relocate but only if they could give him a yard with enough space and a piece of land in which he could run his farming business.

"I have lived on this farm since 1978 and it is the only place we call home. Moving away without a clear understanding of what is going to happen with our businesses is a bad idea. My request is simple: offer me enough space and a decent house and I will move," said Mahlangu.