The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have distanced themselves from the branding of surgical masks in their respective party colours.
This follows criticism of politicising the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) after pictures of the masks emerged on social media.
These “Anc Masks” can go very well those “I am The Big Chief Anc Leather Jackets” You can’t wear those if you don’t own conference delegates!We wish these masks can also have ability to stop/prevent the corruption virus that has engulfed our Anc and country! pic.twitter.com/2RKmbosXWd
— The Other View (@TheOtherView3) April 15, 2020
The first political party to raise its concern was the Congress of the People (COPE).
In a statement, the party said it is disgusting and shameful to see medical supplies distributed bearing party emblems.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has described it as “pure and total opportunism”.
DA Spokesperson Solly Malatsi says the party did not commission the production of party-branded masks.
The ANC has distanced itself from the masks.
Deputy Secretary General Jesse Duarte appealed to its members and private sector to not abuse the party emblem:
Listen to @MYANC @ANCDSGDuarte reacting to the unsanctioned distribution of ANC branded Masks and urging South Africans to unite in the fight against the pandemic beyond commercial interests. #COVID19SouthAfrica #CoronaVirusSA pic.twitter.com/NXDThfnoXL
— Nonceba Mhlauli (@NoncebaMhlauli) April 15, 2020
In the audio below, political parties express their concerns around the branded masks: