The Afrikaner enclave of Orania and the Northern Cape government have agreed that Orania’s quest for self-determination should be discussed at all government levels.
Chairperson of the Orania representative council Prinsloo Potgieter said on Wednesday this was the outcome of a meeting between the council and provincial premier Dipuo Peters.
”The negotiation process will take place at all three government spheres,” said Potgieter.
The meeting on Tuesday agreed Peters would take up the matter with Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi, and with African National Congress chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota.
The discussions would be held at provincial level between the premier, local government minister Boeboe van Wyk and Orania, said Potgieter. The Thembelihle local municipality and the Pixley ka Seme district municipality would also be part of negotiations.
Potgieter said the long-term political aim of Orania’s strive for self-determination would be discussed at national level between the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) and the government.
In December 2000, the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley found that negotiations with government on Orania’s municipal status should take place.
”This process is not yet finished and must now continue,” said Potgieter. The mayor of Thembelihle, Lynette Oliphant, also attended Tuesday’s meeting.
Potgieter said she indicated that the municipality would work with Orania, especially in developing the region’s economic potential. – Sapa