WATCH: Joburg slams tourist Red Bus for cutting trees ‘illegally’

The City of Johannesburg has cleared the air following a viral video in which a red tourist bus is being used as a vehicle to remove cut branches.

The video, which has gathered over 150 000 views, shows how the stationary bus is being used to prune and load the branches from a tree.

The red buses are privately owned and operated by City Sightseeing SA.

MMC for Community Development Ronald Harris has slammed the incident, adding that “the company did not seek approval from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.”

City Parks and Zoo is responsible for the pruning and removal of branches.

City Sightseeing SA engaged in the pruning of trees “so that its passengers would not be injured by low-hanging branches on its tour routes,” Harris continued.

“There are processes to be followed as per the City’s by-laws when it comes to public trees. We urge businesses as well as individuals to consult City Parks and Zoo before embarking on any such actions.”

The city and City Sightseeing SA have discussed the matter and according to Harris “an action plan will be agreed on that such incidents will be avoided.”

“We take note that there was no maliciousness intended when the company embarked on this action,” Harris concluded.