Vuwani protestors give MEC 7 days to respond to request
Protests resumed in Vuwani on Monday, with residents demanding that the implementation of the Lim 345 programmes be stopped in the area with immediate effect.
LIMPOPO – Spokesperson for the Pro-Makhado group, Nsovo Sambo said they have decided to stage a march as the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Makoma Makhurupetje was at this point going ahead by implementing Lim 345 programmes “against the people’s will”.
The group furthermore requested that the police currently patrolling the area be removed, and that the municipality’s satellite office in the area be closed, saying “they know they are pushing Lim 345’s agenda”.
“The documents at the Makhado Municipality’s regional offices in Vuwani bear the logo of Lim 345 and we don’t need that. Assets and staff have been moved to Lim 345. So, by the end of February, the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) must acknowledge our request for continuing receiving services under the Makhado Municipality.”
The group gave the MEC seven days to respond, Sambo said.
Makhurupetje told CV the Vuwani office has temporarily been closed while they are arranging to meet the community leaders within seven days.
“We are trying to find an alternative mechanism for people to receive services. We can talk to Makhado and Thulamela municipalities to temporarily render services on behalf of Lim 345.
“Legally, the entire Vuwani area now resorts under Lim 345 and the Pro-Makhado group’s application to march was approved by the Lim 345.”
The MEC confirmed that assets and staff have already been transferred into the new municipality.
“On the issue of the police, we don’t ask permission from anyone to deploy police as it is part of policing to patrol the area. We protect people’s lives, so why should we move from the area? It can’t happen,” the MEC said.
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