Merafong to be returned to Gauteng

President Kgalema Motlanthe has proclaimed a law amendment under which Merafong municipality will be re-incorporated into Gauteng, his office said on Thursday.

Motlanthe’s spokesperson said the president had set April 3 as the date on which the Cross Boundary Municipalities Laws Repeal and Related Matters Amendment Act came into operation.

It aims to bring to an end years of unhappiness over a decision taken in 2005 to redraft borders and place Merafong in North West province.

Residents of Merafong, which includes Khutsong township, took to the streets in sometimes violent protest, complaining that living standards would plummet as the North West government was less efficient in service delivery than its Gauteng counterpart.

The protests led to government announcing last year that it would reverse its 2005 decision.

Opposition parties have said this was done in time for this month’s elections to appease Merafong residents who have vowed not to vote for the ruling African National Congress.—Sapa