Top brass visit Vhavenda King
Vhavenda king, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, urged government to urgently resolve the demarcation issues still plaguing Vuwani.
LIMPOPO – Ramabulana made this appeal during a courtesy visit by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Zweli Mkhize, on Sunday at the king’s palace in Dzanani outside Thohoyandou.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the courtesy visit are Venda senior traditional leaders, MEC of CoGHSTA, Jerry Ndou, Vhembe Mayor, Florence Radzilani, Makhado Mayor, Shonisani Sinyosi, Musina Mayor, Mihloti Muhlophe and Thulamela Mayor, Mushoni Tshifhango.
During the visit, Mkhize promised government will resolve the outstanding Vuwani demarcation issues. The area was characterised by violent protests that left more than 30 schools, government properties and private properties set on fire since 2016 when residents fought off their inclusion into the new Collins Chabane Municipality by merging the area with Malamulele.
One of the Vuwani residents, who wanted to remain anonymous due to fear of vindication, said that they were not begging the National Demarcation Board, but it was their mission to tell the board to stop pushing them to where they did not want to be.
“We are in a democratic country and cannot allow anyone to dictate to us,” he said. Issues such as service delivery in the area are still outstanding and Mkhize said that the Vuwani area remains one of his department’s top priorities.
The demarcation issues in Vuwani thrust the area into volatility with the enduring repercussions on social cohesion.
Ramabulana said he and Mkhize will arrange a formal meeting where different stakeholders will be invited to resolve the issues in Vuwani.
