Traditional leaders sign peace agreement
The Pro-Makhado group feel betrayed by their traditional leaders after they signed a peace agreement with Co-operative Governance Minister, Des van Rooyen last week Thursday.
LIMPOPO – Spokesperson for the Pro-Makhado Group, Nsovo Sambo, said they are not part of the agreement between traditional leaders and government. He said they continue to fight their inclusion in the newly formed municipality that incorporates Vuwani and Malamulele. Sambo added that they are not going to vote in the coming elections.
Van Rooyen said he was delighted that they have reached an amicable agreement.
“In terms of the impasse affecting the Vuwani areas, there are a number of legislative options currently under consideration, hence our commitment as government to continue with discussions until we reach a decision that is acceptable to everyone. As government, we urge all role players to ensure that teaching and learning resume, ensuring that 52 000 learners seize the opportunity to pass their grades this year without delay. We appeal to all role players, especially communities, traditional leaders, educators, school governing bodies and learners, to help ensure that we can return the education sector to normal.
“Our learners have lost a lot of valuable time already and this is detrimental to their future. It is important to remember that a nation that does not groom and educate its youth will not have a bright future,” he said.
He continued, saying: “The adherence to the rules during the election period and beyond is important to ensure that there is a conducive environment for elections to take place. “Government calls on all stakeholders to work together to ensure everyone act within the framework of the law. As government, we are confident that we will have a peaceful local government election that will allow communities to make their choice in a peaceful environment”.
He said South Africa is a democratic country and the right of freedom of movement is enshrined in the country’s constitution.
“We remind all South Africans that we don’t have ‘no-go’ areas – voting will take place across the country without fear or intimidation,” Van Rooyen stated.
He encouraged citizens to report any incidents of intimidation to their nearest police station or by calling 10111.
“It is important to reiterate that any form of violence or the destruction of property remain condemned in the strongest terms possible. Firm action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law or who protests outside the norms of responsible, democratic protest. The police will remain highly visible to ensure that no one is prevented from exercising their democratic right to vote or participate in any political process leading to the elections,” he said.
He further said they urge all stakeholders in the country to join hands and support the process they started in Vhembe to move South Africa forward.
“We noted that for the first time in our history, this election will see 200 political parties and over 61 000 candidates compete for votes, which reflects the maturity of our democracy that continues to reflect the will of the people. We urge all these political parties and candidates to assist in this effort to encourage stability in Vhembe. Our collective action speaks to the development of our democracy which is also reflected in the form of a conducive environment created not only by government, but by all stakeholders including candidates, political parties and communities in general. It is important to remember that local government is in your hands and your actions or inactions can affect the future of Vuwani,” Van Rooyen concluded.
Senior traditional leader, Mbangiseni Nthumeni Masia of the Vuwani area, said the total shutdown is a thing of the past and people should live in peace.
