Tensions remain high in Sasolburg as protests enter their third day following a failed meeting between community leaders, local officials, and petroleum giant Sasol. Residents accuse the company of failing to prioritize local employment and business opportunities, leading to widespread frustration.
Meeting Ends in Disappointment
A three-hour meeting called by the Metsimaholo Local Municipality on Thursday aimed to resolve the standoff but yielded no solutions. Community leaders expressed anger after Sasol sent what they called a “low-level delegation” with no decision-making power.
“Generally, everybody’s disappointed,” said one leader. “We expected a high-level delegation from Sasol, but they sent the same people we spoke to on Tuesday. The community has reached boiling point, and Sasol is taking this for granted.”
Protest organizers accused the company of arrogance, claiming it offered no concrete solutions to their demands. The mayor’s office, which mediated the talks, also reportedly expressed disappointment with Sasol’s response.
Key Grievances
Residents allege that Sasol hires workers from outside the area despite locals having the necessary skills. They also claim the company neglects local businesses in favor of external contractors, violating its Social and Labour Plan (SLP) commitments with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
“We’re not asking them to reinvent the wheel,” a protest leader said. “We’re asking them to do what they do in Secunda—prioritize locals and local businesses. But instead, we’re met with arrogance.”
Arrests and Court Appearances
Meanwhile, five of six suspects arrested during the protests appeared in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and were released with a warning. The sixth suspect is expected in court on Friday.
Sasol’s Response
Sasol acknowledged the concerns raised and described Thursday’s meeting as the “first in a series of engagements” to address employment and procurement issues. The company urged the community to use “recognized forums” for dialogue rather than protests.
“The meeting forms part of an ongoing dialogue to ensure constructive, transparent, and inclusive engagement without resorting to violence,” Sasol stated.
What’s Next?
With no resolution in sight, protest leaders say the community will decide on the next course of action. For now, the standoff continues, leaving Sasolburg in a tense deadlock.
