Twenty-one people, arrested for their alleged involvement in the torching of schools in the Vuwani District in Limpopo.

20 schools in the area were set alight last week and another four damaged during a week-long violent protest. The protests broke out after residents were informed that their court bid to be excluded from the new Malamulele municipality had failed. While the new municipality would encompass Vuwani and Malamulele, residents have demanded to remain under the Makhado municipality.

A strong police presence allowed for calm to be restored over the weekend, however public transport services and businesses remained closed.

 

Successful talks

In a positive move, EWN reports that the Limpopo government says it has made a “powerful breakthrough” in negotiations with the majority of traditional leaders in the areas surrounding Vuwani.

The provincial government says it hopes these successful talks will see an end to a week of violence.

 

Government condemns destruction

Meanwhile the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has condemned the burning of schools and infrastructure in the ongoing protest.

Committee Chairperson Nomalungelo Gina said the community needs to take cognisance of the education of the learners. “The destruction and burning of state property will not resolve the issue. The only parties that are disadvantaged are the learners who are not receiving teaching at the moment.”

She added that while the community has every right to protest, this should not involve the destruction of infrastructure.

The Committee has urged all interested parties, traditional leaders, community leaders, education officials and law enforcement authorities to speedily reach a solution to address the matter so that the education of these learners can continue.

 

Mbeki adds his voice

Former president Thabo Mbeki has also spoken out, condemning the burning of schools in Vuwani.

“It’s illegal to burn schools, it’s illegal to go burn libraries and burn trains and all of this burning that takes place, it does not require a new law, the law just needs to be enforced, but this is a very difficult, challenging issue, it signifies a certain collapse of order and disrespect for society.”

The Vhavenda king also called on protesting residents of Vuwani to end the violence last week.  However he added he fully supports their opposition to joining a new Malamulele municipality.