Issued by: Ministry of Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development
The Deputy Minister of Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development, Mr Mohammed Valli Moosa met with the Premier of the Northern Transvaal, Mr Ngoako Ramatlhodi and the Eastern Transvaal Premier, Mr Matthews Phosa on 15 May 1995 regarding the disputed areas of the Groblersdal district and the Bushbuckridge district.
The provincial government of the Eastern Transvaal is laying claim to the Bushbuckridge area, which is currently under the administration of the Northern Transvaal provinces and on the other hand the Northern Transvaal is demanding the Eastern Transvaal controlled Groblersdal district.
At the meeting it was agreed that the future of both districts would be decided upon as a package.
The two Premiers acknowledged their earlier agreement that Bushbuckridge should be incorporated into the Eastern Transvaal.
Concerning the future of the Groblersdal district, the two Premiers agreed to act on the advice of the Deputy Minister. The Deputy Minister, is familiar with the issues and he has agreed to act as mediator.
Subsequently the Deputy Minister has initiated a process of consultation which should lead to a resolution of the matter within the next three weeks.
The Deputy Minister will hold a public hearing on the future of Groblersdal on 26 May 1995 at which all interested parties are invited to attend. The meeting will be held in the town of Groblersdal, at a venue to be announced.
The Deputy Minister is also involved in attempts to resolve the dispute over the future of East Griqualand between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu/Natal provinces as well as other border disputes.
Issued by the Deputy Minister for Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development. Cape Town 17 May 1995
Further inquiries: Mpho Mosimane at (021) 461-1478