WATCH: Limpopo MEC’s ‘ambulance stunt’ slammed by opposition

Limpopo health MEC Phophi Ramathuba handed over 165 new ambulances to the people of Limpopo this week as part of the 566 promised in her budget vote speech in March.

But some opposition members saw the handover as a political stunt days before the election.

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Provincial secretary for the Forum of Limpopo Entrepreneurs Siviko Mabunda said: “Obviously, this is part of electioneering. Where were these ambulances all along when rural community people were suffering?

“How can you decide to hand over ambulances six days before election day? Only fools will rejoice to be fooled.”

Ramathuba said each of the ambulances is equipped with modern medical equipment to enhance emergency response capabilities.

“These ambulances are not just life-saving vehicles, but moving hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology.”

She said all crew members who received their ambulances this year had signed an oath to ensure accountability for any loss of equipment from the ambulances.

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Michael Rabothata of Turfloop said the MEC and Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha were trying hard to change the lives of the people of Limpopo for the better.

“The only problem is management. We want them to guard against some of these ambulances in case they are found transporting groceries from shopping malls to households of friends, concubines and family relatives, while the sick are waiting.

““We want their drivers to be watched carefully 24/7 by management,” said Rabothata.