The Umkhonto weSizwe Party's first political rally in Nelson Mandela Bay was cancelled on Saturday at the last minute with a handful supporters unaware the former president Jacob Zuma would not address them.
Instead, Zuma, who announced his absence via a video shared on social media, attended the funeral of a “close comrade” in Dikeni.
Afterwards, he visited East London.
Supporters of the party who wanted to see Zuma, travelled as far as Bizana — a nine-hour drive to hear the former president address the rally at the NU2 Stadium in Motherwell.
Other supporters came as far as KwaBhaca, Ntabankulu and Cofimvaba, travelling in Toyota Quantum taxis only to be disappointed by the news that Zuma would not make it to Nelson Mandela Bay.
The rally was scheduled to start at 2pm.
A party supporter, who did not want to be named, said she travelled in a packed taxi from Mount Free and left her town at around 9pm on Friday.
“We arrived at around 7am and we parked the taxis at a [petrol station] in Motherwell.
“We sat there until it was time for the motorcade, where we called people to come and attend the rally.
“It's after 2pm and I've not even had an apple.
“They will never see me again,” she said, referring to the party.
Another member, who travelled from Ntabankulu, said he remained committed to the work the MK Party was doing.
However, he said he was disappointed with how the event was organised.
“We drove a long way to be here. When we arrived and were busy with the motorcade, we realised that a lot of people didn't know about the event.
“We asked the regional leadership questions. They had five days, what have they been doing in that time,” he said.
Supporters were confused at the event, questioning where the food was and who would pay for their taxis to return home.
Just before 3pm, a bakkie arrived with meat, bread and cooldrinks for supporters to eat before being driven back home.
MK national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said Saturday's rally was organised by the provincial conveners but added Zuma's comrade, a veteran and supporter of the party, had passed away in Dikeni which changed his priorities.
No name was given.
“This threw off the organisation and planning because Dikeni is an hour and a half away from where he was which is East London and then having to come this way, that really had an impact.
“He had to go and pay his respects. But this is not the first time it has happened.
“The president couldn't attend [a rally] in Limpopo because he had to attend a funeral,” he said.
Ndhlela said Zuma had asked they address the rally.
HeraldLIVE
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