The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has appealed for calm in protest-hit Vuwani where 13 schools, satellite police stations, tribal offices and municipal trucks have been set alight over the past few days.

"Whilst we explore ways and means of strengthening our engagement, we appeal for calm and normality to return to all [areas] of Vuwani..." said ANC provincial secretary Nocks Seabi on Wednesday.

Vuwani residents took their battle to the streets after they lost a High Court bid to have their area remain under the Makhado municipality last Friday.

After a Sunday feedback meeting by the leaders, residents defied their plea for calm and vowed to continue the fight against the government's plan to include them under Malamulele municipality.

"We strongly condemn the burning of private and public properties, including schools, the blockading of access roads and forced participation of residents in a shut-down campaign," said Seabi.

He said the ANC in Limpopo accepted and respected the decision of the court.

"We, however, noted the dissatisfaction of the Vuwani residents about this court decision. With South Africa being a constitutional democracy, where the rule of law reigns supreme, we would encourage those who are not satisfied with the ruling, to exercise their right to explore legal avenues of recourse."