Mbeki must intervene on the Khutsong issue

21 May 2007

IFP National Chairperson, Mrs Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi today called for the immediate intervention of President Thabo Mbeki on the Khutsong issue.

kaMagwaza-Msibi said:

"The whole country has watched with sadness and grief as the Khutsong issue unfolds without government's proper intervention. The Khutsong resident's protest against the incorporation of the township from Gauteng into North West has turned this township into a battle-field between residents and police. The town has lost its status and the residents have resorted to looting and stealing from shops. This township has become a ghost-town with all major functions stopped due to looting and unlawfulness. Councillors are no longer safe as their houses are being torched. Residents have vowed not to stop protesting until the decision is revoked while the government insist that proper consultation was done during demarcation process in 2005. "

"It is very sad that the President of South Africa, who is a symbol of peace internationally can advocate for peace and calm in other countries and ignore hot domestic issues such as Khutsong. The situation in that township has now further destabilised effective learning and teaching in schools.
With exams approaching, school kids have been roaming the streets for the past two months without education. Calls from teacher unions for educators to resume their role as educators fell on deaf ears they are instead chasing pupils away from classes."

"South Africa is respected for its democracy worldwide, it is high time that this democracy works for the ordinary people of Khutsong Township as well. I call on President Mbeki to personally visit this troubled township and hold talks with all relevant stakeholders for the sake of peace," concluded kaMagwaza-Msibi

Contact:
IFP National Chairperson, Mrs Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi
082 804 7993