Pretoria – The North West Provincial Government has called on protesters in Marikana and Bapong in the Bojanala Platinum District to avoid engaging in violent and criminal activities.
The call was made by Premier Supra Mahumapelo following media reports that youth from the villages had on Thursday embarked on protests which turned violent. They barricaded roads and set vehicles alight.
Premier Mahumapelo urged the communities to choose non-violent approaches to addressing the socio-economic gaps affecting the area.
He said they should opt for proper discussions with Lonmin and Bapo-Ba-Mogale Tribal Authority on matters of common interest.
“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.
He also called on the protesters to also refrain from preventing learners who are writing mid-year examinations from going to school.
He said the provincial government will continue to pursue radical socio-economic transformation through the development of villages, townships and small towns in the province. - SAnews.gov.za
