DOLLY Davids and her family lived in an eight-roomed house with a garage in Jaggersfontein in Free State.
But there is no sight of the house today, only an open space. This is because the family's house was one of several houses that were damaged on 11 September 2022 when a mine dam burst, resulting in several houses and cars being destroyed by the mudslide.
The collapse of the dam has displaced some residents of Charlesville township who witnessed the destruction of their homes.
The incident affected the town’s infrastructure, which then impacted the power and water supply.
Speaking to Daily Sun on Sunday, 10 September, Dolly said she vividly remembers the fateful Sunday morning when she heard people scream alerting the community to come out of their houses.
She said: “I went outside the gate. I saw the mine dam cracked and water was coming towards our houses. I rushed back inside the house and told my husband and child to wake up and run for cover.”
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She said they could see the mudslide approach their house, so they left everything. Two men were confirmed dead, one woman went missing and 28 people sustained injuries.
“I will never forget what happened that day, people were running in different directions. We had to vacate the house and we are currently renting in one of the houses,” said Dolly.
Dolly said the municipality and mine owners are paying rent for all the people who were displaced.
“I’ve been told the house will be rebuilt from 12 September. At least we can see the progress and I hope they will finish the house soon. I missed my own house, where I had privacy,” she said.
Thuso Bokwa from the office of the mayor said a commemoration will be held at Mayibuye Community Hall.
He said government and mine officials will address the community on the progress since the incident.
