The Mayor of Tshwane Mr Ramakgopa has today undertaken to assist Kleinfontein in fast tracking its application for formalization as a town in the greater Tshwane Metropole.

Kleinfontein accepted the Mayor's offer that the constitutional issues be dealt with jointly. It was considered by all delegates to be a bold, reconciliatory and responsible move to the cultural and indeed constitutional challenges facing cultural communities such as Kleinfontein.

We the Afrikaner community of Kleinfontein hereby express our deep appreciation at the Mayor of Tshwane and his delegation. The meeting was held in mutual respect and both minority rights and human rights featured on the agenda.

The Mayor in his opening address referred to the warm welcome he received and diffused all tensions that characterized the prelude to the visit.

The Mayor followed by several reporters conducted a short motorized tour of the village. He was accompanied by Mr Niel de Beer the civil engineer spearheading the Kleinfontein DFA application tasked on formalizing the settlement. The chairman of the board of Directors Mr Jan Groenewald also accompanied the delegates.

Mr Ramakgopa expressed appreciation for the self-reliance the community exhibited and was particularly impressed with a paved road constructed by elderly residents.

Following the tour a brief Q & A session was held with the media and opportunity was given to address key issues.

Thereafter on request of the mayor an interactive session was held excluding the media. Two primary concepts were discussed being firstly the formalization of the settlement and secondly the more complex issue of self-determination and the impact on the cultural identity of Kleinfontein.

The Mayor reiterated that Kleinfontein will be treated on par with any informal settlement under its jurisdiction.

Statement issued by Kleinfontein, May 29 2013

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