The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) would like to express its sincere appreciation to the thousands of friends and supporters who travelled from all corners of KZN to attend the well-organised Memorial Service for the Founder and President Emeritus of the IFP, His Excellency Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to religious leaders, representatives from the business sector, cultural groups, as well as various political parties, including the DA, ATM, ACDP, Action SA, and many others, who gathered in large numbers to honour and remember Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The IFP wishes to publicly clarify that the ANC in the province was also invited to attend the Provincial Memorial Service of His Royal Highness Prince Buthelezi.
However, there was no response, nor was there any apology from the ruling party. This lack of response is indicative of the disrespectful nature of the ANC, contradicting their public statements and media claims of willingness to reconcile and fulfil Prince Buthelezi’s dream of the ANC and the IFP smoking the peace pipe.
The IFP appreciates and welcomes the call made by ACDP Provincial Leader, Bishop Sipho Eric Manqele, who urged all progressive opposition parties in the province to unite against the corrupt ANC, which no longer caters to the needs of the people of this province. Bishop Manqele was absolutely correct in highlighting that Prince Buthelezi’s legacy has provided thousands of KZN residents – and beyond – with a quality education, turning them into the academics they are today. It is disheartening to witness individuals criticising uMntwana’s legacy and his undeniable contributions to the struggle for liberation in this country.
uMntwana’s legacy is abundantly evident in much of the quality infrastructure that graces the KZN province, such as tarred roads, schools, industries, colleges, and various other entities. It is sad to witness some of these institutions, like Ithala Bank, and other good infrastructure, deteriorate and become white elephants under the administration of the ANC-led province.
The IFP is committed to changing this state of affairs once it is granted the authority and power to govern this province in the 2024 Provincial and National Elections.
The IFP also challenges the KZN Premier, National Police Minister, and National COGTA Minister to decisively address and develop strategies for addressing the issue of killings in this province. This includes the killing of Amakhosi, councillors, and even officials, with the latest being the murder of eThekwini’s senior water and sanitation official, Mr Emmanuel Ntuli.
The IFP calls on the Premier to declare a state of disaster that would require special intervention to tackle these heartless murders. The loss of one life impacts many lives and families.
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Contact
Cllr Thami Ntuli
IFP KZN Provincial Chairperson
072 585 5000
