Cabinet has reminded all eligible voters to responsibly exercise their democratic rights on 3 August 2016.
At its regular meeting in Cape Town this week, Cabinet expressed its gratitude to all those voters who took the time to register and verify their details, to ensure that their name appears on the voters’ role, which is now closed.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs David van Rooyen has gazetted and proclaimed the date of the local government elections, allowing for the commencement of the electoral processes in terms of the election timetable.
The announcement also closes the voter’s roll for registration to participate in the upcoming elections.
Addressing a Post Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town earlier today, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said Cabinet welcomed the signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct by political parties, pledging to abide by the rules and ensure that elections are free and fair.
“This demonstrates our maturing and deepening democracy,” he said.
With regard to protests in Vuwani, Limpopo, Cabinet commended the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Minister van Rooyen and the provincial task team, to restore normality in the area, while noting that challenges continue in some parts.
“Government has worked tirelessly engaging communities in a bid to resolve issues and bringing services, including education back into operation. The provision of temporary classrooms has ensured the resumption of academic activities.
“Government again calls on communities and leaders to raise issues through channels and platforms which have been established to enable dialogue. This unprecedented action of holding the education of our children hostage is unacceptable,” Minister Radebe said.
Cabinet also commended all law enforcement agencies for the work done which resulted in the arrest of 34 individuals, who are suspected of participating in the destruction of 28 schools, who in effect shattered the future of those young people who are still utilising these much needed facilities.
“Cabinet commends those communities and civil society organisations who rolled up their sleeves to clean up and raise funds to reopen local schools.
“All parents, guardians and community members are requested to assist children to catch up with the scheduled work plan of the Department of Basic Education. The IMC will continue to engage with stakeholders and communities to ensure that the entire area is calm and returns to normality,” the minister said.
With regard to the Hammanskraal protests, Minister Radebe told the media that Cabinet deliberated on the protests in Hammanskraal and indicated that the Department of Human Settlements is leading an intervention in the area together with the Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, and the Executive Mayor of Tshwane Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
“Cabinet regrets the death of two contractors involved in the Hammanskraal removals and expresses its sympathy with the families of the bereaved.
“Law enforcement agencies should redouble their efforts to find the killers and bring them to justice,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Gauteng MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements Paul Mashatile announced the suspension of evictions and demolishing of shacks in the area.
MEC Mashatile visited the area, accompanied by the City of Tshwane Member of Mayoral Committee for Housing, Joshua Ngonyama, senior police officials and other municipal officials.
Prior to making the announcement, MEC Mashatile had a meeting with the community representatives, the chiefs and the city’s officials on a way forward in addressing the situation.
At the meeting, it was also agreed that a Steering Committee be formed comprising community representatives, City of Tshwane officials and officials from Co-operative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements.
According to MEC Mashatile, the committee will work with the community to ensure that they are all settled.
The committee is expected to convene on Friday.
The committee will as part of its responsibility visit the affected community and do shack marking. – SAnews.gov.za
Alan Straton
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