National Council Resolutions – 5-6 September 2009

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE IFP NATIONAL COUNCIL

ULUNDI : 5-6 SEPTEMBER 2009

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 1: RECENT DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST IFP LEADERS

Noting

the recent spate of violent demonstrations against senior and democratically-elected leaders of the IFP, and IFP President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in particular; and the damage these instances of public unrest are wreaking upon the image of the IFP and the legacy of Prince Buthelezi.

The IFP National Council resolves

  • to condemn in the strongest terms the violent behaviour, vulgarity and lack of respect of those who participate in these demonstrations and those who sponsor them;
  • to state unequivocally that individuals who take part in these activities are unworthy of membership in the IFP and its subsidiaries whose ingrained culture of respect and tolerance is incompatible with such behaviour; and
  • to discipline everyone engaged in such activities and especially those who, despite their negative attitude towards the IFP, continue to enjoy the party’s patronage.

RESOLUTION 2: SADESMO’S ROLE IN ANTI-IFP ACTIVITIES

Noting the recent instances when SADESMO provided a platform to former members of the IFP and its subsidiaries to denigrate the senior leaders of the IFP and IFP President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in particular.

The IFP National Council resolves

  • to express its gratitude and appreciation to the National President of SADESMO and his Deputy for their continued loyalty;
  • to express its profound regret that some sections of SADESMO, which are supposed to uphold the venerable tradition of the IFP as a former liberation movement, have, on numerous occasions, provided a platform for those who bring the party into disrepute; and
  • to reconsider the rationale behind the IFP’s generous support, both moral and financial, for those sections of SADESMO whose activities bring the party into disrepute.

RESOLUTION 3: 2009 ELECTIVE ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE

Noting that the IFP’s 2009 elective Annual General Conference has not yet taken place owing to the lack of preparedness of the party’s branches.

The IFP National Council resolves

  • to hold the IFP’s elective AGC at the earliest possible date provided the participating party structures have undergone a comprehensive audit and are ready for such a conference; and
  • to meet during the third week of October 2009 to reassess the state of preparedness of the branches for the AGC.

RESOLUTION 4: LEGITIMACY OF THE CURRENT IFP LEADERSHIP

Noting the advancement among some former members of the IFPYB of the argument that the term of office of the current IFP leadership elected in July 2004 has expired after a five-year term of office in July 2009 in the absence of an elective Annual General Conference which could not be held at that time owing to the lack of preparedness of the party’s branches.

The IFP National Council resolves

  • to counter this argument in whatever forum necessary by invoking Section 3.6 of the IFP Constitution which stipulates that “any elected Committee/Officer of the Party shall remain in office for a reasonable period after the expiry of their term to allow for the next election to take place”; and
  • to take legal steps to prevent former members of the IFP and its subsidiaries from addressing the party membership on party-related issues.

RESOLUTION 5: FUTURE OF THE PROVINCES

Noting the widespread speculation in the media about the ruling party’s intentions with regard to the future of South Africa’s nine provinces and the mixed signals the lack of a firm policy commitment to the future of the provinces has sent among all stakeholders.

The IFP National Council resolves

  • to reaffirm its commitment to the future of the nine provinces as a party of federalism.
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