ANC ‘battle bus’ parking sparks social media uproar
The municipality said it is a service provided to all who apply
MANY social media users have expressed their disdain over a photograph of an ANC campaign bus parked inside the Empangeni Fire Station which went viral on Twitter.
The photo, posted by Johannesburg-based Twitter user Tumi Sole, shows the political party’s bus parked alongside a City of uMhlathuze fire truck.
There’s probably an explanation why an electioneering bus is parked at the Empangeni Fire station
Let’s hear what the Municipality will say soon… pic.twitter.com/4RYqy4Qlre
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) April 29, 2019
The Tweet garnered comments, including one from Dr Sanele B Gumede, who said, ‘Apparently the fire department was short of vehicles so they hired the Buffalo Soldier until they are back on their feet.’
Meanwhile, ‘Blessed’ said in jest, ‘We’re paying for parking space, chill Tumi.’
This gleaned a response from the DA’s Ann McDonnell, spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, who is also the King Cetshwayo political head.
‘Wonder if we could ask to park our DA battle bus there too? What are the chances?’
https://twitter.com/AnnMcDonnell8/status/1122867501992488962
In response to questions posed by the Zululand Observer, City of uMhlathuze Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane said it is a service given by the municipality to any party or organisation that makes an official application.
‘No matter what political party makes a formal application, we try to accommodate all those needing such space at municipal premises,’ said Ncalane.
https://twitter.com/SaneleBGumede_/status/1122849670521290757
‘After a formal request was made, permission was given to the party to park its bus inside the fire station. Had any other political party applied, the same permission would have been extended. This is a service offered by the municipality.
‘The municipality also offers an escort service to all organisations or parties organising marches, and which formally apply for the service.’
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