The Inter-ministerial Task Team led by the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mr Des Van Rooyen again engaged stakeholders across the Vhembe District Municipality. The engagements were part of the ongoing programme by government to solve the challenges in Vuwani and the surrounding areas through dialogue.
Minister Van Rooyen, and the COGHSTA MEC in Limpopo Ms Makoma Khurupetje, together with the Vhembe District Municipality commended a successful meeting that was held with the traditional leaders at the Mulenzhe Traditional Council outside Vuwani. The Inter Ministerial team, both national and provincial have been engaging with different stakeholders in Vuwani and surrounding areas.
Minister also welcomed resolve and efforts of Khosikhulu Mphephu to bring an end to violent protests that led to the torching of more than 20 schools. At that meeting with the President, the King condemned the burning of schools and the vandalising of infrastructure. The Minister also thanked the community as they stood their ground and not allowed the hooligans to burn their schools. “The shut-down must end, schools must open and the normality should be restored, said Minister van Rooyen”.
Minister Faith Muthambi undertook an Imbizo in Makuleke village, and she met the tribal council, religious and community leaders. The Minister emphasised that communities should be committed to resolving all the challenges in Vuwani. Government welcomes and endorses the call by the Pastors forum for a national day of prayer for peace and nation building which is to take place on Saturday 14th May 2016.
Minister Angie Motshekga reported that the education department in Limpopo and the national Department of Basic Education (DBE) are ready to restore education services as of Monday, 16 May 2016. The Minster made a call to all communities in Vuwani to support government’s efforts to bring normality and ensure that teaching and learning resumes. The detail plan will be unveiled by government and the statement will be issued in due course.
The day ended with a networking session with the media. Minister Muthambi indicated that the session was an opportunity for government and the media to interact and share information critical to their reporting. “The IMC indicated that it is in the interest of all stakeholders – (government, FBOs, NGOS, CBOs and the community of Vuwani) to have speedy resolution on the matter. Government is equally concerned about the disruptions in education and other services and is working tirelessly to ensure that the culture of teaching and learning is restored, said Minister Van Rooyen”. Government will continue to work with stakeholders until the situation is back to normalcy.
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