A spokesperson for the community, Chris Bender, who is also a member of the Clocolan Agricultural Society and chairperson of the board of agribusiness OVK, told Farmer’s Weekly the road in question was considered the “highway” between Lesotho and the gold fields.
He explained that it carried substantial volumes of mining and agricultural traffic, along with rural commuters, and its poor condition posed significant risks to lives and livelihoods.
“The R708 is crucial to the rural economy. It serves as a key transport route from the Eastern Cape and [Lesotho capital] Maseru to the mines and is vital for the movement of agricultural goods.
“The road’s condition is unacceptable and reflects a blatant disregard for the public’s right to safe and properly maintained infrastructure,” Bender said.
He explained that a meeting was held on Tuesday, 8 July about the issue and included representatives from organised agriculture, the Clocolan Taxi Association, and business representatives. Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula had also been invited but did not attend or send representation.
This contributed to the decision to go ahead with the protest, as they felt their concerns were not being taken seriously.
Farmer’s Weekly subsequently contacted Mbalula, who said the road closure was “unacceptable” and “unnecessary”.
“Explanations were provided as to why I could not be available for that meeting,” he explained.
Mbalula added that he was committed to addressing the issues with roads in the province. He pointed out that although the community was raising concerns from the last four years, he had only taken up position as MEC last year.
He said during his medium-term budget address last year that he had indicated the Clocolan-Marquard road repairs had been deferred to the new financial year.
On 17 June 2025, Mbalula tabled his 2025/26 budget to the provincial legislature, during which he announced an allocation of R897 million for roads under ongoing special maintenance projects.
“The Clocolan/Marquard Road is among those,” he added.
Mbalula said the contractor had been appointed and was already setting up the site, and workers had been appointed and were undergoing relevant medical and other checks.
An agreement had also been reached with the Setsoto Municipality to access gravel and other materials to begin with immediate pothole repairs in the interim until the actual project commenced.
Meanwhile, community stakeholders handed over a memorandum to representatives from the MEC’s office who attended Thursday’s protest action. Bender said the contractor had confirmed that he had not yet been paid to start working.
Demands included that the contractor be paid immediately so that work could commence, and that a transparent publicly accessible payment schedule be made available. They also asked for the MEC to formally commit to engaging with SANRAL regarding the “long-term transfer and management of the R708”.
Mbalula said he was willing to listen and eager to meet and engage with stakeholders but felt the timing of the action was inappropriate.
He added that he was still working through feedback from representatives who had met with protestors, and would respond to the contents of the memorandum in due course.
Bender added they had provided copies of the memorandum to all relevant stakeholders, including South African Police Service and municipal officials, with the due date for a response next Friday, 18 July.
Regarding the interim pothole repair, Bender highlighted that the road had deteriorated so badly that it was almost pointless.
“You are not dealing with potholes on the road; the road is one big pothole,” he said.
