eThekwini mayor wants military base for city

The eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede, wants a central military base for Durban, reports the Northglen News.

Her intention is that the base be used as a centre for the rapid deployment of the military in crisis situations such as political violence or natural disasters.

It was reported that Gumede had already spoken to generals last week and was awaiting their feedback.

“All these senseless killings in hostels, township violence and disasters that strike in the eThekwini area could be effectively dealt with if there were readily-available military personnel,” Gumede said.

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Despite being aware that there are existing military bases around Durban, Gumede was reported to have said that those had special purposes and she wanted one that could be central to the city.

The mayor also said her plan was not an attempt to undermine the city’s first responders, but she thought the expertise of the soldiers could be beneficial, especially during disasters.

– Caxton News Service

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