[imagesource: Grutte Bush Pub / Facebook]

For the past decade, Albert and Hettie Rogers have run the Grutte Bush Pub on the old Marievale mine in the East Rand Basin near Springs, which is part of the Witwatersrand Gold Fields in Gauteng.

It’s located right next to the Marievale Military Base on portion 281 IR Vlakfontein, which used to be mine property.

Check out their Facebook account and its evident that it’s incredibly popular with bikers, who, per GroundUp, flood the place on weekends.

The historic stone pub has underground passages, complete with memorabilia from its days as a spot where mine workers used to train. Behind it, you’ll find a closed mine shaft.

It sounds pretty cool, but according to Albert and Hettie, it might not be around for much longer if the South African Defense Force (SANDF) has their way.

The couple claims that SANDF has been harassing them. SANDF denies this.

“On one afternoon during last year’s hard lockdown, while my husband was away on business, a group of soldiers came claiming that the place belonged to the army and that we had to move,” Hettie told GroundUp.

Image: Albert and Hettie Rogers, by Kimberly Mutandiro

“After taking over the pub, we paid the old pub owner who played as a middle man between us and a gentleman who took over the land from his family. We understand that the land was acquired through a gentleman’s [verbal] agreement with the owner of the old mine,” says Albert.

They renovated the place and saw it as a long-term investment.

“In September the army came and cut off our water which was connected to the Marievale Military Base. We have had to rely on our loyal friends who bring us water every week.

Image: Underground passages in Grutte Bush Pub, by Kimberly Mutandiro

“The army also chased away municipal workers whom we had asked to install a meter so we could use our own water separate from the military base,” says Albert.

They say that over the years, they have seen different mining companies taking a look at the area, which makes them believe that the sudden interest from SANDF has something to do with mining.

Captain Vincent Sello, a spokesperson for the SANDF, tells a different story.

“The matter should be referred to the municipality to investigate. What proof is available to show that the army interfered with the pub? Those are mere allegations.

The military would have no business claiming land which is outside it’s area of responsibility. We do not have business around bullying people outside the military area. It’s not our responsibility to deal with issues of land.”

Louise du Plessis of Lawyers for Human Rights, which is assisting the couple, says that the bar “is supposed to be declared a heritage site” and is “of historical importance”.

At the same time, the City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that the land belongs to the SANDF and that the military plans to evict the residents.

“The occupiers claimed to have been allocated the piece of land on what is now a non-operational mine. The issue was raised with the SANDF and the occupants were advised to contact the municipality in this regard. The SANDF owns the land. Furthermore, there is a planned eviction by the military from the land. The City is not involved in the planned eviction,” said [Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, a spokesperson for the City].

Essentially, we are hearing differing stories from all parties involved.

[source:groundup]