Khutsong+conundrum,+editorial,+The+Star

The Star, Johannesburg, May 02, 2006 //Edition 1//
=Khutsong conundrum=


 * Editor**

The overwhelming majority of residents in Khutsong have made it abundantly clear that they are opposed to their municipality, Merafong, being moved from Gauteng and incorporated into North West. The have marched, signed petitions, boycotted schools, burnt their municipal offices and library, and demonstrated on the lawns of the Union Buildings. Shortly before the March 1 local government elections, they burnt homes of councillors residing in the area, as well as those of candidates standing for election. Last Sunday, they again went on the rampage and burnt the homes of new councillors staying in Khutsong.

During the elections, fewer than 500 people voted, thus sending a clear message that they held the municipality complicit in the decision to shift Merafong from Gauteng.

Reasons cited for the opposition include concern about the North West government's capacity to deliver services. Khutsong residents also say they would spend a lot of money to go to the North West capital, Mafikeng - more than 200km away - to access services. Before incorporation, they spent no more than R10 on a return train trip to Johannesburg.

On the other hand, the government, barring a miracle, appears to be adamant that the decision to incorporate Merafong and other former cross- border municipalities such as Moutse (moved from Mpumalanga to Limpopo) and Matatiele (KwaZulu Natal to Eastern Cape) is final. Its attitude is that the legislation was ratified by parliament, which in any case is where laws are made - not in Khutsong's football grounds.

It is thus clear that both the residents and the government will stick to their respective positions. Where to then from here?

Dialogue seems to be the last option left. Khutsong community leaders need to spell out to the government their concerns and fears regarding incorporation. In level-headed, temperate language they must tell the government what it must do to make the incorporation as smooth as possible. The government, for its part, must explain to Khutsong residents why it is best for them to go to North West. Therein may lie the compromise.


 * From: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3225895**

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