REMARKS BY
PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
Ward 4, Nkandla
His Worship the Mayor of Nkandla, Councillor Thami Ntuli; Ward Councillor Nxumalo; leadership of the Nkandla constituency; and residents of the Ngwegweni area.
I am touched by the level of care in this community for those who are in need. Following the terrible storms we had here in Nkandla earlier this year, Councillor Nxumalo received a phone call from a member of this community. They told him about a family whose home had been destroyed by the rain, and who were now struggling without proper shelter.
Councillor Nxumalo immediately visited this family and saw for himself the devastation of their home. He didn’t just sit and console them with kind words. He got on the phone to the Mayor of Nkandla and started a process of helping this family.
We are honoured today to witness the end result. The house before us has been built for the Ntuli family through the leadership of the IFP. Our constituency leaders partnered with the Mayor to construct a new home. The money was raised, and the project began, simply because IFP people care. We practice Ubuntu botho, because that is the heart of the IFP.
It is wonderful to see a family assisted, but particularly this family, because the Ntuli family is headed by a senior citizen. Gogo uNtuli carries a heavy responsibility, caring for this family without the support of breadwinners.
I want to tell you, Gogo, that I too am a senior citizen and I too am responsible for the care of several of my grandchildren, for some of my children have passed away. I know how much we are willing to sacrifice to care for these young ones, but sometimes no matter how much you sacrifice, what you have to give is just not enough.
It pains me to see the many families in our province who are struggling to stay afloat in these difficult economic times. I long to see every family supported, especially those that are headed by children or grandmothers. These are our most vulnerable families, and they must be supported.
Unfortunately, there are not enough resources even in government to take care of all the needs. This is why we need leaders of integrity who work well with the resources available. We need fairness in the administration of state funding. We need to ensure that everyone is treated with equal dignity.
These are the things that matter to the IFP. I am proud to lead a party that puts people first. I want to thank our Mayor and Councillor Nxumalo. I want to thank the constituency leadership of the IFP. But I also want to thank the members of this community for caring enough to do something when you saw a family in need.
My prayer is that this house will become a home; a place where Gogo Ntuli and her family can feel safe, where they can rest and share meals and have conversations. Now that they don’t have to worry anymore about shelter, I pray that their hearts will be filled with peace.
I ask that this community continues to care, for this family, and for every other family that is struggling. Help one another, because a burden shared is a burden halved. That is the way we do it in the IFP.
Friends, the spirit of the IFP is alive in Nkandla. The evidence is before us. Thank you, Gogo Ntuli, for caring for your family. May it be easier now as you receive your new home.
