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President must calm Khutsong

President Thabo Mbeki should intervene in the Merafong municipality demarcation issue, religious leaders in Khutsong said yesterday.

President Thabo Mbeki should intervene in the Merafong municipality demarcation issue, religious leaders in Khutsong said yesterday.

"We want to see peace restored and we plead with the president to intervene to create peace," the leaders said.

The church ministers, all members of the Khutsong Ministers' Fraternal, plan to send a letter to Mbeki, said their general secretary Abram Malefo.

"We do not know why the president is not siding with us. Perhaps he is misinformed." Malefo said.

He said Mbeki had only commented on the situation in Khutsong through the media.

Malefo said Mbeki recently attended an imbizo in Potchefstroom where he lambasted the people of Khutsong.

He said Mbeki and his government had made strides towards bringing peace to conflict-torn parts of Africa, and could do the same in Khutsong.

"As long as politicians continue to ignore stakeholder submissions and speak on our behalf rather than test our opinions, we fear Khutsong will remain ungovernable," said Malefo.

He challenged North West Premier Edna Molewa, to call a referendum to test her claims that "Merafong backs the government" on the incorporation.

Malefo said Khutsong councillors were divided on the area's incorporation issue. - Sapa

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