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The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the community of Vuwani to stop the damage of public schools and other public property, which are for the benefit of the whole community.

It is never acceptable to damage public infrastructure. We condemn the burning of schools in the strongest terms. This destruction will negatively impact the lives of children for years to come, and it will take months to repair the schools again. While the grievances relating to the re-demarcation of the council are legitimate, and the arrogance and uncaring nature of the Limpopo Provincial Government has a role to play in the chaos, this is not an acceptable reason to destroy. It also clear that there has been a total failure by the SAPS to stop this destruction, and the Provincial and National SAPS Commissioners should be held accountable for this.

It is clear that the authorities in the Provincial Government and the Vhembe District Municipality no longer enjoy the popular support of the people, and should therefore be voted out and replaced with the DA which has committed, in its Manifesto for Change, to deliver better services, stop corruption and create jobs.

The Task Team as well as the Ministerial Team assigned to resolve this situation need to act sensitively and listen to the needs of the community, which were previously ignored.

The DA will always stand on the side of communities in need and we respect the right to protest but that right comes with the responsibility to protest in a peaceful and non-destructive fashion.

The best form of protest will come on 03 August 2016, when the people of Vuwani and communities across the country vote for change that will move South Africa forward again.

Issued by DA