Dear Fellow Supporters ,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with us in this critical fight for safety and justice. Your signatures and shares have amplified the voices of the Heidedal community, turning heartbreak into hope. Today, we have exciting news to share: our presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources (and the Portfolio Committee on Police) has led to a powerful commitment for change.
On November 4, 2025, during a joint parliamentary session, we delivered a compelling overview of the dangers at the Witherow Dam Quarry—the illegal operations, environmental hazards, and the devastating loss of lives, including the recent tragedy of 20-year-old Benjamin van Wyk on October 16. We highlighted the urgent need for rehabilitation, enforcement of regulations, and protection for our vulnerable communities in Mangaung Local Municipality.
The outcome? The Committees have agreed to our proposed next steps! They will conduct an urgent oversight visit to Bloemfontein in the coming days. This on-the-ground assessment will:
- Directly inspect the quarry and dam site, moving beyond photos to firsthand evidence.
- Engage key stakeholders, including the South African Human Rights Commission (which has already investigated the matter), the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the South African Police Service (SAPS), provincial and national departments, and most importantly, the affected communities.
- Gather essential facts to enable informed recommendations and swift action on the petition.
This is a game-changer. No longer will we rely solely on reports and pleas—the Committees' direct involvement ensures accountability and real progress toward securing the site, preventing further drownings, and restoring safety to Heidedal.
We couldn't have reached this milestone without you. As we await details on the visit's timeline, let's keep the momentum going:
- Share this update far and wide to rally more support.
- Join us at upcoming community events, like the Memorial Prayer Service for Benjamin and other victims (held October 24 at the quarry site—thank you to all who attended in solidarity).
- Stay tuned—we'll post live updates from the oversight visit here on the petition page.
Together, we're not just signing a petition; we're building a safer future for Heidedal's families. Let's honour Benjamin and all those we've lost by pushing forward until the job is done.
With deepest gratitude and unwavering resolve,
Gregg
#HeidedalStrong #SecureTheQuarry #JusticeForAllTheVictims #QuarryOfDeath
(Watch the full parliamentary session replay (https://www.youtube.com/live/CKGzHM2uUWE?si=sJS6IqVaMrbUksKW for the full context of our presentation and the Committees' response.)