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This morning Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Des van Rooyen, updated Parliament and the nation on government’s efforts to resolve the situation in Vuwani.

This after an unprecedented outbreak of violence that saw the torching of 24 schools, as well as other acts of intimidation and violence. The violence follows the ruling by the Limpopo High Court to affirm the decision of the Municipal Demarcation Board, to amalgamate Vuwani with parts of the Malamulele municipality.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Minister van Rooyen condemned the burning of schools. “We reiterate that in this democratic era, when there are so many avenues of engagement open between communities and government, that this action is outrageous.”

The Minister outlined government’s response and engagement with all stakeholders, both prior to the eruption of violence and thereafter. An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been established to oversee the return to normality in Vuwani and surrounding areas. As head of the IMC, Minister van Rooyen has been on site since the disruptions began. He returned to Vuwani this afternoon to further engage residents in the area.

The Minister indicated that the IMC has met with various communities over the past two weeks, including that of the Hlanganani area, the Davhana Traditional Area, the Tshikonelo Traditional Council, and the Mulenzhe Community. These engagements also include the traditional leaders, the provincial IMC led by MEC for COGHSTA, as well as the Mayors of Makhado and Thulamela and the councillors.

The Minister stressed the importance of unity, peace and calm so as to bring the situation to normality. “Going forward, we are confident that normality will prevail – schools, businesses and other sectors critical for the daily lives of communities”, said Minister van Rooyen.

The Minister also thanked the communities, traditional leaders, religious leaders and all sectors for their efforts, resolve and dedication to bringing the situation under control.

Issued by Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs