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The IFP takes note that angry protesters have burnt down schools in the areas of Vuwani and Levubu, bringing the total number of schools torched this week to 17. Protesters allegedly torched the schools after losing a court bid to have their area under Makhado municipality excluded from moving to the Malamulele Municipality. As the IFP we call for calm and sobriety of mind in dealing with recent demarcation matters that have led to the establishment of a new municipality.

The constitution of South Africa makes provision that everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education. This is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. By burning schools, we effectively burn the futures of our children, and this is totally unacceptable, we condemn all acts of violence and destruction to property. Such actions are counter-productive to the aspirations of a prosperous future.

We ask the Limpopo MEC, why have police not been deployed to protect the schools? This has surely become a trend in the communities, why has nothing been done to protect the schools from these criminals?

We call for all affected departments to continue their engagements on this matter, acts of violence are not conducive for discussions in order to quell this unnecessary and wanton destruction of property.

It is a great cause for concern that the independence of the Municipal Demarcation Board, has taken a questionable demarcation decision in this instance, which appears not a developmental decision but rather a political one, in order to suit the agenda of the governing party.

Issued by IFP