Issued by: North West Communication Services
STATEMENT BY THE ACTING MEC FOR EDUCATION, ARTS, CULTURE, SPORT AND RECREATION
The North West Department of Education, Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation strongly condemns the bomb explosion that ripped through Kgololesego Primary School in Ventersdorp last night (Monday) the 29th July 1996 and damaged one classroom. The estimate damage is between thirty and forty thousand rands. We view this as a dastardly deed which should not go unpunished.
It is clear that these are the activities of the Rightwing elements as a response to the South African Communist Party rally which was held in Ventersdorp on Saturday.
This is clearly intended to cause tension and destabilise the community and as government we appeal to the community to remain calm and not be provoked by the malicious acts of those who fear the changes in this country.
The government will institute a high profile investigation on this heinous deed and perpetrators will be brought to book.
The office of the President and Minister Bengu is informed about the incidents and they give their sympathy to the community of Ventersdorp and request the community to stay calm as government will investigate the matter.
The department will not stop teaching at the school and the school will reopen tomorrow. The department is also proud of the principal and teachers at the school who agree to continue teaching.
The Acting MEC for Education, Mr Darkey Afrika and the MEC for Public Works, Mr Zacharia Tolo met this morning and decided that the school be repaired immediately.
Contact: Willie Modise - 08225584087 Raymond Patel - 0828071827 30 July 1996