Outcry as municipal bakkies used to transport IFP supporters in Umzumbe

The IFP in the Umzumbe sub-region was photographed driving government bakkies, specifically from Umzumbe Municipality, transporting party members wearing their T-shirts recently.

The two branded bakkies were photographed in the dusty streets of Umzumbe, where the party is campaigning for a by-election in Ward 13 on February 11.

The ward was previously under the control of IFP, but ward councillor Siyabonga Doncabe resigned late last year.
After photos of IFP supporters being transported by the branded bakkies started circulating on social media, people, including other political parties started talking.

The ANC in the Tolomane Mnyayiza Region released a statement which said: “This conduct is not surprising from the IPF leaders in the municipality, as they have turned municipal vehicles into public transport for IFP supporters.”

“The ANC will also monitor the action of the municipal council, especially the speaker in applying the rules of order. We will not rest until suitable punishment is meted out for abuse of municipal resources.”

The IFP’s deputy chairperson of the Umzumbe sub-region, Simphiwe ‘Jika’ Mthethwa, said the party apologises for the incident.

“There is no way to defend what has happened. According to our knowledge as the IFP, a mistake was committed by someone driving the vehicle and not authorised to carry those people. It was a pure, honest mistake. The vehicle might have been authorised for other duties related to the municipality, but not to carry people.”

On being contacted for comment, municipal spokesperson Sabelo Ncwane confirmed that the municipality is aware of the matter and that the municipal manager will open an urgent investigation.

“Umzumbe Municipality states that the matter of municipal vehicles carrying people wearing a political party’s uniform has come to our attention. According to the municipal fleet terms, this is not allowed.”

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