HON. VELENKOSINI HLABISA, MPL
PRESIDENT OF THE IFP
The IFP has taken note of the statements made by President Ramaphosa this evening, as he sought to address the widespread anarchy that has brought towns and businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng to their knees.
While we note his pronouncements, we don’t believe he went far enough to reassure South Africans that the Government he leads can rescue South Africa from the brink of the abyss.
His statement lacked the necessary urgency that we needed to stop South Africa from sliding into a full-scale national crisis.
His hollow words did nothing to reassure those who lost their businesses, their livelihoods or suffered damaged to property, that as of now – law and order will be restored. It is cold comfort for those who will sleep in fear for their lives and property tonight.
What the address lacked was a clear plan. For example, how many SANDF troops will be deployed? What additional resources will be allocated to SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng? Why did our Government and intelligence services not act sooner?
As the President spoke, criminals continued to loot a blood bank on live TV, underscoring the extent of the anarchy we face. The looting also continues this evening in breach of lockdown regulations, and without any or little intervention from SAPS.
As we said earlier today, we welcome the deployment of the SANDF. We call on all citizens and political parties alike to allow them to do their work without hinderance.
We further take note that the President heeded our call to meet with leaders from across the political spectrum, to discuss interventions and tap into our combined pool of wisdom, as we seek solutions to this crisis. We welcome this.
We convey our condolences to those who lost loved ones during the violence. We wish our law enforcement officials strength as they battle the flames that have engulfed our nation and as they seek to restore law and order.
We stand ready to play our part in defending South Africa from the anarchists.
We call on South Africans to unite to save our beautiful country from collapse.
May God protect South Africa.
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