By Celani Sikhakhane
- The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has canceled train services for uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) anniversary, citing Sunday non-operations.
- MK leadership accuses Prasa of sabotage, urging members to attend the Moses Mabhida celebration despite transport and catering setbacks.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has cancelled the Umkhonto Wesizwe party’s transportation of its members to Moses Mabhida stadium.
The latest news has sparked fears that the much-talked and awaited inaugural anniversary bash might have a poor turnout.
This will be in sharp contrast to the many votes the political rookie party garnered in its first electoral contest during the May 29 national elections.
Prasa customer service manager Cebo Mtshali sent an email to the MK leadership on Friday and told them that they will no longer provide trains as per their request due to the fact that they don’t operate on Sundays.
This has sparked anger among the leadership and members of MK who see this is an act of sabotage.
Joe Ndlela of MK announced on Friday that they are shocked to learn that trains were no longer available.
“Prasa has told us that it won’t be available to transport our members on Sunday to the first anniversary of the MK party. We had made advanced arrangements for the transportation of our members with buses, taxis and trains but Prasa has cancelled its services to us,” said Ndlela.
UMkhokha actor Sibonile Ngubane said they are disappointed but call on all members to come in numbers to celebrate this MK party milestone.
He says that from the start no one was invited to join MK but people volunteered to be part of the movement.
“No one has invited us from day one of the MK party. Therefore let’s come in numbers with any means to celebrate the first anniversary,” said Ngubane.
About 35 trains were expected to transport over 63,000 supporters to Moses Mabhida stadium.
On social media pages, MK members complained and asked why all of a sudden the trains are no longer operating for special events, claiming that when there are soccer games or Zulu royal ceremonies, trains are always operating.
Also, there is a brewing discontent amongst party supporters on the reported limited catering of only fruits and water. Some party members took to social media on Thursday to voice their anger about the limited catering.
Pictured above: Prasa has snubbed the MK party’s first anniversary.
Source: X
