Malamulele brands Vuwani decision 'unlawful'

Cooperative Governance Minister Des van Rooyen and the task team met with traditional leaders from Malamulele at the local boxing gym today.

This was a follow-up to the meeting held by President Zuma and community leaders over the weekend, to address ongoing protest action the area. Residents of Vuwani are refusing to be part of the newly-established municipality LIM 345, which includes Malamulele.

The presidency says the meeting accepted Vha-Venda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana's proposal that the Vhembe District Municipality provide services to the people of Vuwani, while a solution to the demarcation issue is being sought.

The decision does not mean that the new municipality (LIM 345) is being disestablished.

The Malamulele Task Team's Ike Nukeri says they strongly disagree with the decision.

"According to the law of the local government, it is not possible. It is an issue that must be resolved by the council. The community here has spoken to say if the government contravenes the law, I think it means there is a problem with government," says Nukeri.

Nukeri says the decision is a tribalist move in favour of the Venda-speaking communities.

"Definitely, there will be an action that will be taken. If the same government which is seen to be implementing policies and the laws of the country, if the same government contravenes the same laws, then it means the people of Malamulele will take action."