The impasse between the residents of Vuwani and the government over the implementation of the decision by Pres Zuma and the subsequent threat of a total shutdown, seems to have come to an amicable solution between the two parties.
This follows a recent agreement between the Pro Makhado Demarcation Task Team and the Limpopo provincial government that services in the troubled area be commenced, starting from Tuesday last week. The agreement was well received by the Pro Makhado Demarcation Task Team and the community at large in Vuwani.
Pro Makhado Demarcation Task Team spokesman Mr Nsovo Sambo said they made submissions during the consultation phase by the provincial government, but were disregarded by the government, who came with another option. "Due to the government's delay or snail pace in implementing the decision, residents of Vuwani three weeks ago embarked on a peaceful march to Vhembe District Municipality to hand over a memorandum. We requested the implementation of services, subject to the pronouncement made by the President on 7 May, mandating Vhembe District Municipality," he said.
After handing over the memorandum, the provincial government requested an extension of the time frame to finalise the implementation and consultation process.
The extension was granted and, by the look of things, it was worth the wait.
During a recent meeting between the provincial government and the Pro Makhado group, an agreement was reached that government institutions should commence with the provision of services in all the affected areas of Vuwani as from 7 August. The Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs was urged to fast-track the implementation of grant-funded capital projects.
Sambo further indicated that the residents of Vuwani agreed to the interim measure of services as they continued to seek the long-term solution of the re-determination of boundaries. He added that the Lim345 councillors and its officials "should refrain from terrorising the communities of Vuwani. The Pro Makhado DTT and traditional authorities will continue to monitor the implementation process as per agreement and ensure that stability and peace is maintained within the area of Vuwani," he said.