Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Lebo Nchoela
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in JB Marks expresses deep concern over the unrest in Ventersdorp, where police clashed with residents during protest action Monday, 22 September 2025. Community members were brutally beaten, with one resident, who was severely assaulted, appeared in court yesterday, 23 September 2025 (see video here).
In response, frustrated residents have announced their intention to travel to Potchefstroom to deliver a letter to the Office of the Speaker. They are demanding that all ANC councillors representing Ventersdorp wards appear before the community by Sunday, 28 September 2025, to account for their actions and to explain what they have delivered since assuming office.
For days, major routes, including the N14, have been blocked as part of ongoing protest (see photo here). The immediate trigger for this unrest was the discovery that local residents were excluded from employment opportunities at a nearby mine. Allegations have emerged that ANC councillors instructed mine management to hire only individuals from politically compiled lists, bypassing fair and transparent recruitment processes.
This raises serious questions:
- Do ANC councillors know every resident of Ventersdorp?
- How do they intend to treat their political opponents fairly in such processes?
- Are councillors qualified specialists in human resources, particularly in the mining sector?
- Were these vacancies publicly advertised to ensure equal access and opportunity?
The absence of clear answers has reinforced the perception that ANC councillors are abusing their positions to secure jobs for comrades, friends, and family members.
While the DA does not condone riots, looting, or violent protest, we fully support the rights of residents to expose corruption and abuse of power through lawful and democratic means. We remain firm in our commitment to the Rule of Law and will never endorse unlawful self-help measures.
We therefore call on ANC councillors to immediately cease their interference in private-sector employment processes. Jobs must be allocated on the basis of merit, fairness, and transparency, not political patronage.
The DA condemns in the strongest terms the actions of ANC councillors who exploit their positions of power at the expense of vulnerable communities. We will continue to stand with the people of Ventersdorp in their fight for fair opportunities, accountability, and a government that works for all.