MEC's Maine and Molapisi call for calm in Boikhutso

Media Statement

Date: 09 September 2014

MEC's Maine and Molapisi call for calm in Boikhutso

MEC of Department of Public Safety and Transport Management,  Mr Gaoage Molapisi and  MEC of Department of Local Government and Human Settement, Mr Collen Maine who were  accompanied by the Mayor and Speaker of Ditsobotla Municipality,  held a community mass meeting  in Boikhutso Extension 3 Sports Ground,  to  try and avert the protests that broke out in the area  last week. The community mass meeting  was preceded by a  facts  finding meetings on Friday whereby the  two MEC's met with all relevant stakeholders to  find out the root cause  to the problem and to come with  the amicable solution.  The Boikhutso protests which was somehow fuelled by a group of unemployed youth, had disrupted schools and one person was also killed. During his address to the community, MEC Molapisi indicated to the community that they have come here as government to consult with them about what was happening in Boikhutso and in which one person was brutally killed during the protests.

In his response to the community, MEC Maine acknowledged that there were signs of poverty in Boikhutso, which was attributed by high rate of unemployment. He urged the community that despite all their challenges of unemployment and snail's pace of development, they should not allow themselves to be used by political leaders for their selfish gains. He urged youth and women of this community to be united for their personal advancement in life. MEC Maine also requested ward councillors to call community meeting to give regular feedback to the community. The MEC had as well committed himself to visit Boikhutso in the near future to discuss issues of youth development and empowerment of all stakeholders of the community. Most of the community members  who were given opportunity to speak  during the meeting, did not focus  much on  the violent protests, but complained about unemployment, issues of elderly people and service deliveries in Boikhutso.  In his closing remarks, MEC Molapisi indicated to the community that he was aware that they did not mention crime and gangsterism which seemed to be the problem in Boikhutso.

For further inquiries please contact:

Mr Pius Batsile, 

Ditsobotla Municipality, Communications Manager

Tel: 018 633 3882

Cell: 082 526 3616