Inkatha Freedom PartyResolutionsIFP Extended National Council

The Extended IFP National Council, having met in Empangeni on the 22nd of October 2023, unanimously resolved to adopt the following resolutions:

1. Policy Conference:
   • The Extended National Council, having been briefed on the draft policy documents, resolved to endorse the dates of 12-13 December 2023 for the IFP National Policy Conference.
2. Israel – Palestine Conflict:
   • The IFP expresses its growing concern over the Israel-Palestine conflict, a protracted issue that has led to immense suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians. The Party recognises the enduring challenges and security concerns faced by the people of Israel.
   • We condemn the initial attack on innocent Israeli civilians by Hamas, recognising the need for security for all parties involved.
   • The IFP urgently calls upon all parties involved, and especially Israel, to exercise restraint and avoid further use of force that may result in the loss of more innocent civilian lives. We advocate for a peaceful and diplomatic approach to conflict resolution.
   • The IFP calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and for an immediate return to the negotiation table. The IFP considers the ongoing escalation of tensions and hostilities to be indicative of the collapse of international diplomacy in achieving a Two-State solution; and therefore, calls on the UN, Israel, Palestine, and all interested and affected parties to recommit to the prescripts of the Oslo Accord.
   • The IFP calls for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza without interruption or hindrance.
   • The IFP firmly believes that a just and lasting peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict can only be achieved through diplomatic means. We commit to supporting international efforts aimed at facilitating dialogue, cooperation, and negotiations to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
   • The IFP emphasises the paramount importance of peace and security for all people in the region, irrespective of their nationality or ethnicity. We support a balanced approach that encourages open dialogue, coexistence, and, above all, respect for international law, human rights and aspirations of all parties involved.
3. Ukraine/Russia War:
   • The IFP extends its full support for international efforts aimed at facilitating a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine-Russia war. We believe that diplomacy and peaceful negotiations are essential in resolving this protracted and complex issue.
   • The IFP reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We firmly advocate for a resolution that respects the sovereignty and territorial boundaries of Ukraine, as recognised by international law and the international community.
   • The IFP emphasises the vital importance of achieving a just and lasting peace in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Peace is not only essential for the wellbeing of the people directly affected but also for regional and international stability and the global economy.
4. Putting South Africans First:
   • The IFP reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the guiding principle of “Putting South Africans First” in all policy decisions and actions. This principle underlines our dedication to prioritising the needs, interests, and welfare of South Africa’s diverse and vibrant citizenry.
   • The IFP recognises that the heart of any successful policy and governance lies in its responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of our fellow South Africans. We pledge to remain vigilant in ensuring that South Africa’s developmental outlook and government’s policy implementations are rooted in the betterment of our nation’s people.
   • The IFP remains committed to driving a policy position that ensures that South Africans are prioritised first for job opportunities, in particular for no skill and low skill job opportunities, and in particular, in the e-hailing, construction, hospitality, domestic, security, farming and courier industries.
5. SASSA – Postbank:
   • The IFP recognises the numerous challenges that have plagued the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the South African Post Office (Postbank) in fulfilling their mandates. These challenges have had a direct impact on the wellbeing and livelihoods of vulnerable South Africans who depend on these services.
   • The IFP underscores the urgency of addressing and resolving the issues faced by SASSA and Postbank. Timely action is essential to ensure the effective delivery of social welfare programs and to minimise the impact on those in need.
   • The IFP calls for a comprehensive reform of the systems and processes within SASSA and Postbank to enhance their efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Improved service delivery is paramount to better serve the beneficiaries.
   • The IFP calls for measures that ensure that social welfare services are accessible to all South Africans, regardless of their geographic location or socio-economic status. A commitment to inclusivity is vital in addressing disparities and promoting equal access to these services.
   • The IFP calls for strengthened oversight and accountability mechanisms within SASSA and Postbank to prevent mismanagement and corruption, which have adversely affected the beneficiaries. Transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining public trust.
6. SOEs and Higher Education:
   • SOEs – IFP Extended National Council, recognises the critical importance of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the economic development of our nation, and hereby calls on the President of the Republic to relieve the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, of his duties with immediate effect.
   • The IFP Extended National Council acknowledges the persisting challenges that SOEs are currently confronting, and our firm belief that new leadership is required to address these issues comprehensively and efficiently.
   • The IFP Extended National Council is deeply concerned about the continuous struggles experienced by SOEs under the oversight of the current Minister of Public Enterprises. We believe that the sustained problems faced by these vital institutions not only hamper their growth and stability but also have far-reaching consequences on our national economy and public welfare. The IFP therefore, calls for the Minister to be recalled as a crucial step towards ushering in fresh leadership with a renewed vision and strategy for our SOEs.
   • The Extended National Council noted with grave concern the ongoing governance challenges, corruption, and mismanagement of within the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which has a negative impact on the poor.
   • Further it is worth noting that these issues and more have characterised NSFAS for the longest time and the common denominator is Minister Blade Nzimande, who for the most part, since 2009, has been the political head of this portfolio without success.
   • The critical importance of NSFAS as a tool to address socio-economic exclusion is undermined by a leadership that is not fit for purpose.
   • The Extended National Council therefore calls on the President of the Republic to relieve Minister Blade Nzimande of his duties; this crucial step should be taken towards ushering in responsive leadership with a renewed vision and strategy for the higher education sector.
7. Weaponisation of COGTA Against IFP Governed Municipalities:
   • The IFP expresses its deep concern over the weaponisation of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in KwaZulu-Natal’s IFP-governed municipalities. The instrumentalisation of COGTA for political purposes jeopardises the principles of fairness, transparency, and effective governance.
   • The IFP emphasises the need for a fair and transparent approach in managing municipal affairs in KwaZulu-Natal. Municipalities play a pivotal role in the lives of citizens, and it is essential that they are administered in a manner that serves the best interests of the people.
   • The IFP calls for an end to political interference and manipulation within COGTA and municipal governance. Municipalities should be managed with a focus on the delivery of services and the wellbeing of their residents, free from undue political influence.
8. Political Killings:
   • The IFP expresses deep and profound concern over the continued occurrence of political killings and Traditional Leaders in South Africa. This violence not only threatens the lives of individuals but also undermines the stability of the country.
   • The IFP calls for immediate and thorough investigations into these political killings. Such investigations are crucial in identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice, thereby providing closure to victims’ families and restoring public trust in the rule of law.
   • The IFP emphasises the need for swift and effective prosecution of those responsible for political killings. Accountability is vital to deter future acts of violence and to ensure that the perpetrators are held responsible for their actions.
   • The IFP calls for an end to the cycle of political violence in South Africa. The perpetuation of such violence not only threatens the safety of political leaders and activists but also undermines the democratic process and the wellbeing of the community.
   • The party is dedicated to working with all stakeholders to address the root causes of political violence and promote a culture of tolerance, respect, and non-violence.
9. Endorse NEC Decision on Redeployment of the President Hon. Velenkosini Hlabisa to Parliament:
   • The Extended National Council endorses the National Executive Committee’s decision to deploy President Hlabisa to Parliament. The Extended National Council expresses its full support for this strategic move, believing it will enhance the Party’s representation and influence in the legislative body. The Extended National Council affirms that this decision is taken with the utmost consideration for the welfare and progress of the Party and the nation.
10. Springboks Reach World Cup Final:
    • The Extended National Council congratulates the Springboks for reaching the Rugby World Cup Finals.
    • We wish the Bokke all the best for the upcoming final against New Zealand and call on all South Africans to rally behind our boys.
    • The Extended National Council further conveyed its well wishes to the Proteas.

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Contact
Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539