POLOKWANE – Four business owners linked to the Community Business Engagement Forum (CBEF) for Polokwane appeared before the Polokwane High Court on Thursday.
They argued against a permanent suspension that bars them from entering the Polokwane Silicon Smelters.
This follows a recent protest that disrupted operations at the mine and led to an urgent interdict filed by one of the mine’s contractors.
On July 17, the court granted an urgent application, resulting in judge Naudé Odendaal issuing an interdict against the business owners. The interdict prohibits them from entering or exiting the mine, as well as from harassing the mine’s staff.
The CBEF has been advocating for the allocation of smaller projects, such as the supply of toiletries and steelworks, to local businesses.
They also demand skills transfer and employment opportunities, in accordance with the local beneficiation clause. When their demands are not met, the group has resorted to halting project activities.
In response to the forum’s demands, the contractor at the Silicon Smelters agreed to remove foreign workers and replace them with local residents.
The contractor also committed to verifying the local status of business and employment candidates with the CBEF.
Additionally, 11 members of the forum are scheduled to appear in court on October 22. This comes after a recent protest that disrupted construction at Bakone Malapa, a project managed by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure. An interdict was also issued against them, although they have since met with MEC Ernest Rachoene for further discussions.
The CBEF is currently negotiating similar benefits with Enza Constructions, the main contractor for the Limpopo Academic Hospital project.
The forum has repeatedly halted operations over the past two months, demanding the removal of companies they believe are benefitting unfairly from local projects.
