‘Cheerleaders’ only at manifesto bash

A BUS taking ANC members from North West to Port Elizabeth on Friday had to turn back and several passengers were forced to disembark, reportedly because party leaders feared they did not support President Jacob Zuma.

A branch delegate who made it to the manifesto launch in Port Elizabeth said the bus was told to turn back as it was approaching Pretoria. “Leadership was not happy with some of the names on the list. Some had to be asked to get out and other comrades were then picked up.”

The North West provincial secretary denied issuing instruction for any bus to make a U-turn. It is believed that the majority of the crowd inside the stadium were not from the Eastern Cape, but had been bused from neighbouring provinces.

The ANC took extreme measures to prevent any disruptions at the event yesterday, carefully selecting those who travelled to Port Elizabeth.

Zuma addressed a half-empty stadium while thousands of party supporters in yellow T-shirts roamed the streets outside the venue.

The Sunday Times has learnt that in provinces where ANC members are known to be anti-Zuma, many were left behind. Each province outside the Eastern Cape was allowed to send 10 buses, and passengers were screened.

In Ekurhuleni, ANC members of Ward 54 in Katlehong said only Zuma “cheerleaders” were allowed to board the bus to Port Elizabeth.

During his speech, Zuma made yet another promise to create jobs by focusing on the “local economy” at the lowest government sphere.

The party committed to creating jobs for the youth by building more centres of production, among other measures.

Zuma also promised to hold corrupt councillors liable for losses incurred by any municipality.

“The ANC government will also pursue action against companies involved in bid-rigging, price-fixing and corruption in procurement,” he said.

The ANC would also discourage municipalities from outsourcing services, and pledged to monitor closely those who needed to outsource because of lack of capacity.

“The ANC will also engage with municipalities and organised labour on the introduction of flexible shifts to promote greater access to municipal services,” said Zuma.

Leadership was not happy with some of the names on the list