The IFP has lambasted MECs and mayors for using state resources on Mandela Day.
“Through the IFP’s existence, its membership has been injected with the twin-pillar principle of self-help and self-reliance. When people were faced with scarce opportunities they came up with solutions which was starting their own jobs and converting any opportunity in building something out of nothing. So the Mandela Day is part of building South Africa by digging within you in whatever you can do to make a difference in your society.
I did this to pay tribute to Madiba as we were inspired by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who related to us about Mandela’s role in the liberations struggle. It was therefore appropriate for me to spend 67 minutes in Madundube on R74 in KwaDukuza selling fruits and vegetables with IFP volunteers assisting street hawkers. Through this activity I renewed my commitment in making South Africa a better place for all,” said IFP National Chairperson, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“In this day it is disheartening to see the abuse of state resources by the MECs and Mayors to portray themselves as hard working individuals and this is mischievous. This tendency is not the real contribution to Mandela Day. It is a well-known fact that some MECs and mayors will be using this day to garner votes as only few weeks left before the 2016 local government elections by using state resources,” continued Mr Gwala.
“It is becoming a habit in South Africa to create a day or month to focus on a particular event or social issue which we mark in our national calendar. It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure that Mandela Day does not become part of the mark-a-month syndrome at the outset. We cannot eradicate poverty and social inequality on a 67 minutes but this must be done every day,” concluded Mr Gwala.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP National Chairperson
078 290 5842
