Soil of Africa steps in to fight Seriti’s plans to evict Naledi and Lesedi residents

Middelburg — Residents of Naledi and Lesedi remain adamant that they will not vacate their homes despite pressure from mining company Seriti Resources.

Seriti cut off electricity to the villages in April 2025 as part of plans to relocate them. Seriti is now seeking an eviction order, which would allow demolitions to proceed.

“We are not going anywhere,” declared Xolani Dikeni, a resident of the area. “We simply have no alternative. This isn’t fair. Seriti cannot expect us to accept the destruction of our homes without providing us with somewhere to go. We will fight this with whatever we can,” he said.

Dikeni, who also serves on the housing committee, approached the Soil of Africa (SOA) — a Pretoria-based organisation focused on living conditions to intervene in the dispute.

The dispute dates back more than 20 years ago when BHP Billiton transformed into South32 from its origins as Middelburg Mine Services (MMS), now known as Seriti donated more than 400 houses to the Steve Tshwete Municipality. The municipality refused the donation, saying the company needed to upgrade the aging infrastructure and transfer ownership of the houses to residents first.

The SOA has opposed the planned evictions, calling them unlawful, inhumane and a violation of constitutional rights.

In a letter seen by the publication, SOA issued several demands to Seriti on 11 November 2025, including an immediate cessation of all eviction efforts, restoring electricity and essential services to all affected residents, and supplying proof of all legal processes undertaken prior to requesting any evictions.

“Failure to comply with these demands will leave us [with] no choice but to approach the High Court for an urgent interdict against Seriti and MMS, and to file a human rights complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission,” said SOA chairperson, Bongani Ramontja. “Their actions have revived the spirit of oppression that our people fought against. We want to remind Seriti that no company, no court, no law stands above the people’s dignity. We are prepared to meet you in court, in the community and in history. This is not just about houses. It is about home, heritage, and humanity.”

In response to questions Seriti said that it is moving forward with its intentions to evict the residents. “Only a court can issue an eviction order, executed by the Sheriff of the court with support from the SAPS where required. Seriti’s role is limited to cooperating fully with the legal process,” said Tshifhiwa Ramotombu, Seriti’s senior communications officer. “Only one remaining resident in the villages is a lawful occupant currently employed by MMS. Occupants have been given adequate notice over the past three years to secure alternative accommodation.”

Ramotombu said the electricity cuts formed parts of MMS’s decommissioning process. “Seriti has no legal obligation to provide or maintain electricity to unlawfully occupied properties,” he said, adding that MMS established a committee of village representatives to manage an orderly evacuation process, but no agreement was reached.