Mixed reaction as MK veterans volunteer to help during lockdown

Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) veterans have offered their services to South Africa, as the country grapples with the COVID-19 outbreak.

The first week of a national lockdown set to curb the spread of the virus came into completion on Thursday and, on the same day, the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) called on its members to assist law enforcement in controlling the impact of the pandemic.

MK veterans offer helping hand during lockdown

The KwaZulu-Natal wing of the MK issued out a rallying call to its members to occupy the streets in an effort to “prevent further spread” of the novel coronavirus.

“The KZN MKMVA feels that the time has come for a roll-call on Friday, April 4 2020 in KZN and the rest of SA to inform all our members in the whole country to come out and reinforce our law enforcement agencies in this self-sacrificing task of preventing the further spread of coronavirus,” provincial spokesperson Themba Mavundla said, as quoted on SowetanLive.

Mavundla said assisting the country in a time of crisis was the MK’s responsibility as freedom fighters.

“That is why we take this proactive measure or initiate to lend a hand to the beloved people of SA, as we have sacrificed together with our lives during the heydays of the notorious apartheid system,” he said.

Mixed reaction to veterans’ offer

The move by the MK, who are not a recognised military entity, did not receive the warmest of receptions from the South African public.

Democratic Alliance member of parliament, Phumzile van Damme called for the group’s arrest should its members be spotted on the streets.

I hope they are arrested. We don’t need more lawlessness on the streets. So sorry but hell no. https://t.co/R3PfOS4Bop

— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) April 2, 2020

This ones must just stay at home and enjoy their grant , there's no MK veteran that is less than 60 what is that person going to do because they are at risk of contracting the virus. https://t.co/sm6HHiqO7j

— Mvuselelo Dule (@dules_k) April 2, 2020

Since the lockdown came into effect last week, over 17 000 arrests have been made for violating a number of regulations put in place.

South Africa has 1 462 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with five deaths reported, as well as 95 recoveries.