Malamulele shut down unacceptable: Zuma

16 February 2015 - 11:48 By Sapa
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ON THE BALL: Jacob Zuma
ON THE BALL: Jacob Zuma
Image: Sunday Times

The shut down of Malamulele in Limpopo as a result of protests in the area is unacceptable, President Jacob Zuma said on Sunday.

"Once you shut down, you infringe on other people's rights such as children not being able to go to school," Zuma said in an interview on SABC.

"This is unacceptable. If we are pushed to a point we will have to take certain actions."

The shut down of Malamulele has entered its fifth week as residents remained defiant in demanding their own municipality.

The Municipal Demarcation Board announced in January that Malamulele did not qualify for its own municipality.

Protests erupted in the area last year before the May general elections, and re-ignited a month ago with residents demanding their own municipality.

Residents claim the Thulamela municipality has been channelling services to Tshivenda-speaking areas, rather than their own, which is dominated by Xitsonga speakers.

Since January, four schools have been set alight.

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