Vhembe agreement first step to a lasting solution

Friday, July 29, 2016

Pretoria – A lasting solution to the deep division in Vhembe district, in Limpopo, can only happen with open dialogue and hard work between different parties, says Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Des van Rooyen.

The Minster was speaking on Thursday, in Vuwani, during a meeting held by government and Traditional Leaders in Vhembe district, where both parties signed an agreement to work together to address challenges facing communities in the area.

The signing of the agreement follows violent events that have been unfolding since the shutdown commenced in Vuwani, which both government and its stakeholders have expressed concern over.

“Guided by the principles, the letter and spirit of our constitution, we are delighted that as stakeholders we have reached an amicable agreement.

“To this effect, today we present to you an agreement which is a product of a sustained dialogue between government and all the stakeholders’ representing the communities in Vhembe.

“The agreement is based on trust amongst all the stakeholders and the commitment to engage further even beyond the elections,” said the Minister.

He said the signing of the Agreement is a symbolic gesture by the stakeholders to let the country know that they and government have committed to continue working together to resolve any issues, leaving no stone unturned to find a lasting solution to the challenges raised by communities.

“I must say that this commitment and the resolve to bring the situation to normalcy is commendable and speak volumes about upholding the values enshrined in our constitution which is the highest symbol of our unity.

“We are also encouraged that all the stakeholders in Vhembe district have chosen to normalise the situation in Vhembe and ultimately the whole country. This signing today will bring a totally different atmosphere in Vuwani and the entire Vhembe district.

“We are therefore encouraged by the commitment of all stakeholders and the tenacity with which they dealt with the issues in Vuwani and surrounding areas arising from the demarcation decision,” said the Minister.

In terms of the impasse affecting Vuwani areas, the Minister said there are a number of legislative options currently under consideration, hence government’s commitment to continuing discussions until a decision acceptable to all parties is reached. 

Education, infrastructure safety

He said government calls on communities in Vuwani and surrounding areas to come together as a united people to defeat any challenges and the urge to destroy their own properties and infrastructure all in the name of being angry.

“This type of violence sets our development back and denies our citizens and learners an opportunity to improve their lives. As such, I urge you to stand together to build a South Africa we envisaged in the National Development Plan. 

“As government we urge all role-players to ensure that without delay, teaching and learning resume and abut 52 000 learners rekindle their chance to making it in the education year.

“We are therefore appealing to all the role-players, especially communities, traditional leaders, educators, school governing bodies and learners to ensure that we bring normalcy in the education sector,” he said.

Local Elections

With just six days left before the 2016 Local Government Elections, the Minister urged all communities, especially in Vuwani and the entire district of Vhembe not to disenfranchise themselves.

He said the right to vote is a precious right as the victory over apartheid and the fruition of achieving “one man, one vote” was never an easy achievement.

“We urge all registered voters to go out in our numbers to cast our ballots and strengthen our democracy whilst also moving our country forward.

“As government we continue to recognise and thank all stakeholders who are committed to ensuring we are able to deliver another successful municipal election that further strengthens our democracy,” he said.

He said the adherence to the rule of law in the elections period and beyond is important to ensure that there is a conducive environment for an election to take place.

The Minister said government calls on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that all people act within the framework of the law.

“As government we are confident that we will have a peaceful local government elections that will allow communities to make their choice in a peaceful environment.

“We remind all South Africans that in South Africa we don’t have ‘no-go’ areas – voting will happen everywhere in the country without fear or intimidation,” he said.

He encouraged citizens to report any incidents of intimidation at their nearest police station or by calling 10111.

“From here on, as we move closer to the elections, it is important to reiterate that any form of violence or the destruction of property remain condemned in the strongest terms possible. 

“Firm action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law or who protests outside the norms of responsible, democratic protest,” said the Minister.

He said police will remain highly visible, to ensure that no one is prevented from exercising their hard-worn democratic right of voting or participating in any political process leading to the elections.

He noted that for the first time in South Africa’s history, the upcoming elections will see 200 political parties and over 61 000 candidates participating, which reflects the maturity of the country’s democracy that continues to reflect the will of the people.

“We urge all political parties and candidates to also assist in efforts to encourage stability in Vhembe.

“All our collective actions speak to the maturity of our democracy which is also reflected in a form of a conducive environment that is created not only by government, but by all stakeholders, including candidates, political parties and communities in general.

“It is important to remember that local government is in your hands and your actions or inactions can affect the future actions in Vuwani,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za