The collapse of a mine tailings dam in Jagersfontein in the Free State on Sunday, that resulted in fatalities and a spill that flooded homes, was a preventable disaster.

At least this much is clear when you read a letter from the provincial government to the management  company – Jaggersfontein Development – warning of the potential risks two years ago. In addition to this,  a dam-risk analysis conducted at the request of the company also flagged the impending disaster. What is unclear is  what was done to prevent this disaster. ..