15 November 2000
On the 8th of November 2000, Cabinet considered the concerns raised by the community of Orania with respect to the municipal boundary affecting Orania.
Cabinet agreed that this matter involves two separate, but interrelated issues, namely demarcation and the consideration of self-determination issues when demarcating municipal boundaries. Cabinet authorised Minisiter F S Mufamadi to communicate with the community of Orania. The first communication was initiated today through a letter to Professor Carel Boshoff.
I implore the community of Orania to continue to engage the Demarcation Board on all demarcation issues immediately after the elections, as the process of demarcation is ongoing. The Demarcation Board has assured me of its continuing commitment to pursue these matters. On the issue relating to self-determination, Cabinet reaffirmed its interest in the matter, and noted that the legislation contemplated in section 185 of the Constitution (which relates to the promotion and the protection of the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities), will soon be tabled in Cabinet. These issues continue to receive the attention of government.
All other issues relating to the relationship between the objectives and criteria for demarcation as set out in the applicable legislation and the principles relating to self-determination will be the subject of discussion in the future. These issues may require the review of existing policy and legislation.
Issued by the Minister for Provincial and Local Government on 15 November 2000.
For further details, please contact Minister Sydney Mufamadi on 082 376 7164