The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal has lodged a complaint with the Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Hon Lydia Johnson about the Youth Day event held at the Dales Sports Ground that saw the ugly face of ANC intolerance yet again when members of the ANC threw bottles, fruit and other objects at members of opposition parties who stood up to speak.
“Members of the ANC, in the presence of their leaders which included Premier Senzo Mchunu and members of his executive, showed utter disrespect towards members of opposition parties. This was a government event that was funded by public funds, not an ANC rally. The public, especially the youth had a right to attend and speak openly about issues that confront them. When Mr Sakhile Mkhwanazi, a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party and members from other opposition parties rose to speak they were pelted with missiles resulting in some people being injured. This is not what the youth of 1976 fought for. They fought for freedom of speech and freedom of association. They fought against oppression of any sort. Why then are our young people not allowed to speak openly to members of government? It is disturbing that such unruly behaviour is allowed in a government event”, said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“The behaviour of ANC members flies in the face of the sacrifices made by all the young people over the years for the democracy that we enjoy today. It is obvious that the ANC does not like to hear of its shortcomings. It is alleged that some Legislature staff were also involved in the rowdy behaviour. It is unacceptable that the ANC leadership present did not call on the SAPS members to defuse the situation but rather they used members of the MK.
The IFP youth are disciplined and we encourage them to speak openly and respectfully on any issues that they would like to discuss. Freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of association are all enshrined in the South African Constitution and in the Freedom Charter, both documents that we are all so proud of. But those hallowed documents don’t amount to much if their contents are not put into practice. But it appears that when the failures of the ANC-led government is highlighted in public, its members do not like to hear the truth and they resort to unruly and undemocratic criminal behaviour. This will not be tolerated and we will raise this matter in the KZN Provincial Legislature,” concluded Mr Gwala.
Issued by: Mr Blessed Gwala, IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, 078 290 5842
For Media Queries:
Mr Phendulani Biyase, IFP Media Officer, 073 024 5675
