Tensions over the N2 Wild Coast road development project reached new heights this week as the Amadiba community, led by the Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC), held a high-stakes meeting in Jama Village with the Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).
The meeting on Monday, 7 July, followed a community march held in May that submitted a 23-point memorandum to SANRAL, outlining grievances ranging from corruption allegations to environmental degradation. At the conclusion of the meeting, MEC Xolile Nqatha instructed SANRAL to engage with the community within 14 days, marking a critical turning point in the ongoing standoff between residents and government officials.
Community Challenges SANRAL’s Response
The ACC described the session as “intense but constructive.” Community representatives, who had studied SANRAL’s written response to their memorandum in a June meeting, expressed frustration at the agency’s handling of core concerns.
Among the issues raised were:
- Allegations of wastewater pollution near Jama village.
- A demand for an independent audit of contractor invoices amid suspicions of inflated billing.
- The legitimacy of the Public Liaison Committees (PLCs), accused of being dominated by unrepresentative business forums.
SANRAL’s written replies—signed by Regional Manager Mbulelo Peterson—were criticized for deflecting responsibility, demanding “evidence,” and referring concerns to a hotline. The community argued that this approach lacks transparency and undermines accountability.
The PLCs are the engine of the project. If the engine of a car is broken, the car cannot move,” said activist Nonhle Mbuthuma, calling for the replacement of the current PLC members through democratic election.
Accusations of Corruption and Extortion
The ACC alleged that some PLC members are soliciting bribes of up to R20,000 or demanding livestock in exchange for job opportunities. A standard affidavit containing a transcript of an extortion message from a PLC member to a local leader is being prepared for submission to SANRAL and MEC Nqatha.
The group also raised concerns about a contractor’s bid for the Dangeni quarry, alleging that a politically connected company with a higher bid was awarded the tender over a locally preferred, lower-bidding company.
Environmental Concerns and Health Risks
Another flashpoint was the destruction of freshwater sources in Khanyayo, which the community says resulted from road construction over springs and wetlands. Raw sewage reportedly leaks from worker compounds into the grounds of the Khanyayo Clinic, threatening its closure.
The municipality does not provide water to rural areas. Communities depend on their natural sources,” said an ACC leader. “This is a water disaster.”
Despite these reports being submitted to the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, and the Department of Environmental Affairs—with photo evidence—the ACC claims they have received no formal acknowledgement.
Political Oversight, Community Distrust
The meeting was initially delayed by a lengthy debate over process. Community members accused SANRAL and political leaders of attempting to conduct deliberations behind closed doors, before ultimately agreeing to engage with the broader public as initially requested.
Political tensions were evident, with one PLC member accusing ACC figures of being “anti-development” and “mobilising against the ANC.” However, the ACC defended its position as being pro-development but opposed to mismanagement and exclusion.
Next Steps: 14 Days to Engage
By the meeting’s close, MEC Nqatha, who also chairs the N2 Project’s Political Oversight Committee, committed to a formal engagement between SANRAL, the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, and the Amadiba community within two weeks.
The discussions are expected to include:
- The future composition of the PLCs.
- Independent financial audits of contractor partnerships.
- Environmental restoration commitments.
- The proposal to reroute parts of the N2 away from sensitive coastal areas, including a return to the previously discussed inland alignment through central Amadiba.
The ACC has pledged to submit a point-by-point rebuttal to SANRAL’s responses, consolidating the original 12 May memorandum, SANRAL’s replies, and the community’s counterarguments into a public document.
We want the project to go well,” the ACC said in closing. “But it must not compromise the future of Amadiba or destroy the Wild Coast, a national and international treasure.”
Editor’s Note:
The N2 Wild Coast Road Project, spanning between the Mtentu and Msikaba bridges, has faced opposition for years due to concerns about community displacement, environmental risks, and inadequate consultation. SANRAL maintains the project is vital for regional development and improved logistics.
