‘New muni not to service us’
The Pro-Makhado group is of the opinion that the new municipality, Lim 345, has no authority over them.
POLOKWANE – A media briefing was held in Polokwane last week with traditional leaders, leaders of the Pro-Makhado task team and government officials.
Spokesperson for the Pro-Makhado group, Nsovo Sambo said the group regarded the Makhado Municipality as their provider in terms of services. “We never voted for the leadership of the Lim 345 during the local government election. We know our father (Makhado Municipality), and forcing us to be under Lim 345 is like worshipping a stepfather.” Last year, the Pro-Makhado Group led protests that resulted in 27 schools being burned down. Learners subsequently spent three months not attending classes. The riots crippled the economy of the region after a total shutdown. These protests followed a decision by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) to merge the area of Vuwani with that of Malamulele, for a new municipal entity in Vhembe. On Friday, Sambo said a community meeting will be held to find a way forward.
A senior traditional leader, Mbangiseni ‘Nthumeni’ Masia, said while he also acknowledges the existence of Lim 345, the municipality “doesn’t have authority over the Pro-Makhados”.
Limpopo Government Spokesperson, Phuti Seloba, said the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) resolved that the steering committee comprising representatives from the Pro-Makhado group, traditional leadership, affected municipalities and the Department of Co-ooperative Governance, Housing and Traditional Affairs (CogHSTA) must finalise a proposal to be made to the MDB by 16 January.
“The proposal will be tabled to the IMC on 20 January before a formal submission is made to the MDB. It was further resolved that the IMC steering committee will have to develop a clear programme of action outlining key milestones and time frames on the implementation of the Vuwani agreement which shall be presented in the IMC meeting,” he said. “Members of the steering committee are also in agreement that service delivery transitional arrangement should be explored to enable affected communities of Vuwani to continue receiving services in their former respective municipalities of Thulamela and Mkhado. The IMC is currently waiting for consideration on a list of proposed municipal services to be rendered by these municipalities in the interim while processes to redetermine municipal boundaries continues,” said Seloba.
