Section 19 of the South African Constitution states that “Every citizen is free to make political choices, which includes the right to form a political party; to participate in the activities of, or recruit members for, a political party; and to campaign for a political party or cause.”
We are all bound by these prescripts. It is the duty and responsibility of every leader and citizen to protect these rights and freedoms.
It is, therefore, unfortunate and regrettable that Inkosi Sazi Ndwalane of the Ndwalane Traditional Authority in the Ugu District is quoted in the local newspaper, Ugu Eyethu, on 12 August, 2015 to have said “In my area we all support the ANC. I expel ‘’izinduna’’ and convey my directive to the MEC of Cogta indicating that I have expelled “Izinduna” that do not support the ruling party.” He has further said that in his area of jurisdiction he will not allow community members to belong to any other political party, but the ANC.
Such decrees are inflammatory and are contrary to the dictates of the constitution. We cannot and must not allow leaders of communities to create NO-GO-AREAS.
It would serve the ANC well to distance itself from such statements.
The decree by Inkosi Ndwalane is the worst kind of abuse of the leadership responsibilities which he carries. Moreover, it is an insult to the institution of traditional leadership and to governance; and it compromises the said institutions.
As we approach the 2016 Local Government Elections we have to create a conducive environment for political parties and persons to organise and mobilise themselves as they deem fit, wherever they might be.
Every effort must be made to ensure that we have elections that are free and fair and free from fear.
I thank-you!
Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP
IFP Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
076 521 3221
