Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Law enforcement is preparing for a potential confrontation tomorrow morning, Thursday, November 6, as organisers plan to proceed with a march on the N12 highway, despite official warnings that the gathering is illegal.
Over 1 500 disgruntled beneficiaries of a government-funded farming project are expected to participate.
The march, scheduled to begin at 07:00, is set to start at the N12 circle near Alabama and proceed to The Pearl complex next to Shell Ultra City. The purpose is to hand over a memorandum of grievances to officials, including MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, the North West Development Corporation, the Department of Labour, and Lyla Foods for Africa.
According to a representative for the group, Victoria Motsoso, the demonstration is a “legal march” to protest a three-year delay in a farming project intended for the communities of Jouberton and Alabama. Organisers claim that out of 5 600 registered beneficiaries, only 1 500 have received training, and they believe the project is being deliberately sabotaged.
However, authorities from the Matlosana Municipality have not approved the event. Following a meeting held on Tuesday November 4, it was determined that the organisers had not secured the required permission from the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) to protest on a national road.
Klerksdorp Station Commissioner, Brigadier (Dr) Tsietsi Morebodi, issued a stern warning, stating that the planned march is unapproved and will not be tolerated on the N12.
“In terms of law enforcement, the march is not approved, and marchers can expect the full force of the law if they continue,” said Brig Morebodi. He assured the public that measures are in place to prevent any traffic disturbances and that travelers using the N12 should not have to worry.
Despite the police’s stance, conveners have indicated their intention to proceed with the “peaceful march” and disperse by 12:30. This sets the stage for potential conflict as unemployed residents prepare to face off with law enforcement over their right to protest.
