Thousands of Utlwanang and Boitumelong townships residents today flocked to Boitumelong Sportsground in Bloemhof, Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, to witness and participate in the reconciliation, healing and renewal service that was led by Premier of the North West province, Mr Supra Mahumapelo.
The prayer service was initiated as a pivotal response to the violent service delivery protests which resulted in homes being torched by angry protestors and a teenager being shot dead in April this year. These incidents were followed by the death of babies due to water contamination problems in the same area.
Appealing for reconciliation, Premier Mahumapelo said residents must emulate and advance the spirit of unity and reconciliation that the late world-renowned Nelson Mandela embodied.
Mahumapelo who was accompanied by amongst others the religious leaders from various denominations, traditional leaders, members of the Executive Council and the Provincial Legislature, stressed that cooperation and forgiveness were crucial in uniting the communities.
“We all have the responsibility to stabilise the province, and for this duty to be realised, we must have the will to approach life positively, exercise patience and forgive one another,” said Mahumapelo who also urged communities who have opened police cases against some of their own, to consider the possibility of cancelling such cases, as part of reconciliation.
Moreover, Mahumapelo committed the provincial government to finding a lasting solution to the water problem that has been experienced in the area, and assured communities that his administration will ensure that all water sources in the area are regularly checked and cleansed for safe consumption.
Voicing his gratitude for all stakeholders’ efforts and resolve to unite the residents, a 28 year old Solly Moncho from Utlwanang township said: “Today’s service is a living proof that ours is a people-centred and caring government. We are satisfied and more hopeful than ever before, that cooperation and happiness will once again prevail in our area”.
This reconciliation, healing and renewal service was the first of the planned Province-wide campaigns which Premier Mahumapelo announced during his State of the Province Address.
Similar events are targeted for other communities equally affected by violence and other social ills in the province, this in a bid to ensure that the vision of rebranding, repositioning and renewal of the province is accomplished.
For more information contact:
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
