The African Transformation Movement (ATM) North West notes with great concern, the service protest that is accompanied by violence, as well as threats to boycott elections, by community members of the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

It is our understanding as ATM North West that the current situation at Austery, Goodwood and Moshwana was triggeredby the R168 million, 42km Z374 road upgrade commitment by the Provincial Government, which was never met. The ATM North West assures communities and residents in Bokone Bophirima that we are aware of their disappointments, as a results of promises made to them previously, which have since not been met because they were made purely for purposes of electioneering. Unemployment rate in this Municipality and the Province at large, is another issue of concern as poverty is rife, despite all commitments that have been made, since the dawn of democracy.

African Transformation Movement North West sympathises with communities of these three aggrieved villages in the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, but would like to advice that violence has never been an answer nor a solution to any problem. Our view as the Peace Movement is that “Peace In Our Land” doesn’t mean a complete absence of conflict, but a peaceful way to resolve conflict situations in a peaceful manner. It is therefore in this spirit that we are encouraging residents of Austery, Goodwood and Moshwana, to cease fire, but instead, use their votes on the 8th of May 2019, to resolve the conflict.

ATM North West is calling upon community Leaders in the affected areas to advocate for calm and peace so that even children whom their academic programme is hugely disrupted, can go back to school, as the power to effect changes which the community is in dire need for, lies in the hands of those that will be eligible to vote come May General Elections.

Furthermore, the ATM North West Premier Candidate, Servant Solomon Ngomane will be visiting the area very soon, to listen to the community members together with the Traditional and Spiritual Leaders, and make commitments on behalf of the Peace Movement.

Issued by The African Transformation Movement