Following media reports that young people of Marikana and Bapong villages in Bojanala Platinum District have since yesterday embarked on violent protests, barricading roads and setting vehicles alight, the Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government calls on the protesters to avoid engaging in violent and criminal activities, and opt for proper discussions with Lonmin and Bapo-Ba-Mogale Tribal Authority on matters of common interest.
Urging communities to choose non-violent approaches to addressing the socio-economic gaps affecting the area, Premier Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo called on the protesters to also refrain from preventing learners who are all writing mid-year examinations, from going to school.
“While young people’s needs must be addressed as part of the collective’s commitment towards realising the goals of the National Development Plan, they must be strongly discouraged from resorting to violent actions, and be motivated to commemorate Youth month in ways that give meaning to the achievements of the 1976 generation”.
“We remain confident that with proper engagements, the affected parties will find lasting solutions to challenges raised by the residents, and sustain their effort to build a non-violent and progressive community,” said Premier Mahumapelo who maintained that the Provincial Government will continue to pursue radical socio-economic transformation through the development of Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies, the approach which Mahumapelo says will greatly benefit the people of Bokone Bophirima Province, especially the youth.
For enquiries:
Mr Brian Setswambung
Cell: 084 702 4501 / 076 012 4501
E-mail: Bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
