An inter-ministerial meeting was held Tuesday outside this capital of South Africa’s Limpopo Province to map a way forward on how to deal with the protests in Vuwani, about 150 kilometres northeast of here .
Vuwani has been a battlefield between residents and the police during the past few weeks, with residents demanding not to be included with Malamulele in the same municipality.
Communications Minister Faith Muthambi, State Security Minister David Mahlobo, Co-operative Governance Minister Des van Rooyen, and Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu met traditional leaders from Vuwani in a bid to resolve the violence.
During the rampage, 24 schools were gutted and 111 schools were affected in some or another way. It is suspected the recent events are because of tribalism.
“We have got very serious concerns around tribalism. There are reports of people who try to use the situation to further their own ideals. They are using tribalism to do that and we are investigating the matter,” said Van Rooyen.
One of the prominent traditional leaders had reservations about the meeting, which was supposed to resolve all the problems and conflict. He said the main issue was still unsolved.
Chief Mbangiseni Masia said: “We are optimistic, but it is the first meeting and we must still report to our people. We insist that we must resolve the problems amicably. While we are talking about stability and peace, the main issue still has to be addressed. This is not taken for granted. We will discuss issues of stability, but also issues that the community raised.”
Van Rooyenr denied that Vuwani hds been declared a disaster area. “We have not received any communication. Remember, we have to get communication through the executive authority of the province. In this case it will be the (relevant) MEC (Member of the Executive Council). But the province and the municipalities must persist in all option to access funds,” he said.
He also promised measures to re-open schools, including the provision of mobile classrooms.
SOURCE: NAM NEWS NETWORK