Hartbeespoort business owners meet to hash out differences amid racial tensions
The area has been gripped by racial tensions over the last few months, with black owners of establishments around the dam claiming to be treated unfairly by their white counterparts.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo during a community engagement in Hartbeespoort with business owners and stakeholders. Picture: Jacques Nelles/ EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Some white business owners in Hartbeespoort have told Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo that racism is being used as a scapegoat to cover the real issues at the tourist town.
The area has been gripped by racial tensions over the last few months, with black owners of establishments around the dam claiming to be treated unfairly by their white counterparts.
On Monday, Mahlobo visited the area to facilitate restorative conversations.
Among the issues raised are double standards when applying rules in the community, noise coming from some establishments, and the awarding of permission to operate licenses.
READ: 'The town is burning' - Hartbeespoort business owners meet with Deputy Minister
Local Dannie van Heerden encouraged all those in attendance to embrace the spirit of the Government of National Unity in Hartbeespoort.
"I think we have got a common goal, from our point of view, our common goal is to have a prosperous Hartbeespoort and I think everyone here would find common grounds with that. Let's build a prosperous community, we have got so much going for us...we are a top tourist destination."
Meanwhile, the department said it will be investigating how government land was acquired by some business owners around the Hartbeespoort Dam.
One of the complaints raised by white business owners around the Hartbeespoort Dam is that licenses known as permission to occupy certificates have been awarded illegally to undeserving business owners.
But black business owners have hit back at this notion.
Mahlobo said the awarding of land for business use will form part of a mandate given to a committee that will be formed to monitor business relations in the area.