Speaker agrees to snap debate on Vuwani crisis
More than 20 schools have been destroyed in the area in violent protests sparked by the Municipal Demarcation Board's decision to incorporate Vuwani into a new municipality. On April 29‚ the Limpopo High Court dismissed residents' attempts to overturn the decision.DA spokesman on cooperative governance and traditional affairs Kevin Mileham said a proposed debate on the crisis in the area was scheduled to be held in Parliament this coming Tuesday.“The DA submitted a request for a debate of urgent public importance to the Speaker on Monday. In terms of National Assembly (NA) Rule 104‚ this would allow for the scheduling of an urgent debate so that the House can diligently consider what can only be described as a devastating crisis in our country today.“Parliament‚ as the people’s elected representatives‚ can now show that they have the people’s best interests at heart and engage with this crisis‚ so that we can shine a light on how we reached this point‚ and what will be done to help the community recover‚” Mileham said. To date‚ more than 24 schools and other important public buildings had been destroyed in the violence‚ he said.“The DA has condemned these acts of violence in the strongest terms possible. It not only robs opportunities from thousands of young people in the region‚ but also will have a devastating impact on basic service delivery in the area.“But the crisis didn’t just unfold overnight. Parliament needs to inquire as to how we got to this boiling point‚ where many people have resorted to protest in order to be heard. “Indeed‚ this debate would provide an opportunity to give clarity on the disputed municipal demarcations process‚ the continued dishonesty with the local community‚ the failure of service delivery in these municipalities‚ the plan to help rebuild schools and the condemnable failure by the SAPS and Crime Intelligence to respond swiftly to protect important infrastructure in the town‚” Mileham stated.“We commend the Speaker for agreeing to this important debate. Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that government is made to be honest with the people‚ and that every step is taken to resolve the crisis‚” he added...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.