The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) on Wednesday called for “efforts to be redoubled to root out tribalism” following the “torching of another school” in Limpopo.

“The tribal conflict and senseless violence has obliterated progress made in addressing the legacy of apartheid deprivation‚” Sanco’s Jabu Mahlangu said after Mawela Primary School in the Masakona area was razed on Tuesday.

He said government’s “interventions being rolled out after the establishment of the inter-ministerial team and declaration of the area as a disaster require a stable environment and the support of communities”.

“We appeal to traditional leaders and other community leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the mediation process which is the only hope for peace and stability to be restored in Vuwani.”

This would be the only way to end the “impasse that has resulted in the burning down and or vandalism of over 50 schools in the area” amidst opposition to the new demarcation boundaries.

Last week‚ during a snap debate on the Vuwani crisis‚ Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Des Van Rooyen said the decision to amalgamate “Vuwani with parts of the Malamulele municipality (was) made on the basis of forming municipalities that were economically viable‚ sustainable and able to deliver services to citizens”‚ but this “led to unhappiness within the Vuwani community‚ which is largely Venda-speaking”.

“The formation of the Republic of Venda fuelled tensions between Venda and Tsonga speakers‚ in the areas now occupied by the Vuwani and Malamulele communities‚ respectively‚” he continued.

“In the past weeks‚ this tension has spilt onto the streets of Vuwani and surrounding areas.”

— TMG Digital