The Leadership of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP),
Members of the Media,
Thank you for joining us today.
We meet under very sad circumstances. We learned early this morning of the passing of Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela Buthelezi, the youngest daughter of our Founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Our Party is utterly devasted by the loss. She loved the IFP and served our nation with dedication as a Member of the National Council and a Member of Parliament (MP). Our deepest condolence to the Buthelezi family.
Let me start by remembering the great patriots South Africa has lost in recent weeks. Their legacies will continue to inspire us.
Adding to the pain of losing these exceptional South Africans, have been the acts of senseless lawlessness that have gripped our country, and which has led to mass killings in both the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. We convey our condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. Lawlessness and crime in South Africa is a crisis, that must be dealt as such. As the IFP, we recommit ourselves to fighting crime wherever it manifests.
We also remember the six Soweto school children who so tragically lost their lives after eating food from a foreign-owned spaza shop.
The IFP is of the view that we need multiple, urgent interventions that must be initiated to ensure that we return the spaza shop industry to South Africans, while dealing with the large amounts of foreign nationals who are undocumented, and who are working illegally or running businesses in South Africa without complying with the laws and regulations of South Africa.
We believe that South Africa has an illegal migration crisis. We will ensure that our manifesto commitments in this regard is not only taken into consideration at a GNU level, but implemented.
Today marks the start of the matric examinations. We wish all grade 12 learners the best. The rest of your future starts now. We hope that you will excel during this period.
BACKGROUND TO THE GNU:
The IFP entered the 2024 elections knowing that it would be the most crucial election, since the dawn of our democracy. Our country faces multiple challenges: a youth unemployment and joblessness crisis, an immigration crisis, a cost of living crisis, a safety and security crisis, to name but a few issues.
We knew therefore that the outcomes of the 29 May 2024 poll, would have far-reaching consequences, affecting this generation and the next. We pledged that a vote for the IFP in 2024, on both the national and provincial ballots, would strengthen the voice of integrity in the incoming government.
With the outcome of the elections giving no Party a clean majority to govern, citizens spoke decisively through the ballot box. It was their wish that leaders should come together to build a stronger, more prosperous South Africa.
To that end, the IFP took the bold decision to put South Africa first, by joining the Government of National Unity (GNU). The IFP also leads the Government of Provincial Unity in KwaZulu-Natal and our Gauteng Provincial Chairperson holds the position of MEC of e-Gov, as part of the Government of Provincial Unity in Gauteng.
As the nation marked a 100 days of this new dispensation, I therefore felt it important to report back to the nation on the IFP’s progress in the GNU and GPUs, and in meeting our pledges and promises, as set out in our 2024 National and Provincial manifestos. While also providing an update on general IFP matters.
COOPARATIVE GOVERNANCE, AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS (COGTA)
As the new Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), in my first 100 days in office, I have embarked on significant processes to rescue ailing municipalities.
Notable achievements of my Office in the past 100 days include:
Stabilising Ailing Municipalities: Cogta resolved the Emfuleni Local Municipality’s R8.7 billion debt crisis with Eskom, ensuring staff salaries could be paid.
Enhancing Governance and Service Delivery: we extended the public comment deadlines for the Municipal Coalitions Bill and General Laws Amendment Bill to August 31, 2024. In addition, we reviewed the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill to drive accountability.
Community Development and Partnerships: we launched a Community Work Programme (CWP) to empower local communities and create jobs. We secured partnerships with key stakeholders, including Gauteng CoGTA, Central Energy Fund, and Acumen Group.
Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership: Cogta engaged with traditional leaders on Section 15(2) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. We also finalised Customary Initiation Regulations and began consultations on pension benefits for traditional leaders.
Disaster Management: reviewed the Disaster Management System to enhance resilience against natural disasters. Established National Technical Task Team on Disaster Risk Management.
With all the above achievements, we have maintained and emphasised that the progress we have made is just the beginning, and there’s still much work to be done to address deep-rooted challenges at Cogta.
PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION (DPSA)
Our Deputy President, Hon. Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi MP, now holds the position of Minister for Public Service and Administration.
In the past 100 days, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chandler Institute of Governance. This MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the DPSA and the Singapore-based institute, which emphasises areas such as knowledge exchange and capacity-building in public administration.
Minister Buthelezi conducted an unannounced oversight visit to the Phillip Moyo Community Health Centre to assess compliance with Batho Pele principles and service delivery standards. Such unannounced visits play a crucial role in promoting accountability, increasing citizen engagement, shaping policy, and ultimately enhancing the quality of services provided to the public.
September was Public Service Month: launched under the theme, “A Government That Works for You”, Minister Buthelezi announced during the launch that suspended government officials will no longer sit idly at home while they continue to get paid. Instead, DPSA is taking a new directive for discipline management, including the transfer of suspended officials to other departments or units.
Through these transfers, DPSA wants to ensure that while every senior and qualified and competent official is undergoing disciplinary processes, they don’t just sit at home on suspension, but they are transferred to other departments or units for them to use their skills and qualifications to benefit that unit while they are on suspension.
The IFP’s manifesto spoke to the need of ensuring we professionalise the public service. The key focus areas for Minister Buthelezi since taking office has been that of tackling corruption, tackling the stagnation in the public service, and innovation and underperformance.
Minister Buthelezi is committed to ensuring we build a capable State through a professional and capacitated public service. The DPSA under the leadership of Minister Buthelezi therefore will redouble efforts to combat corruption, bribery and nepotism while upholding the core values of transparency and accountability, which underpin the government of national unity (GNU).
TRANSPORT
Our National Spokesperson, Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP, is now the Deputy Minister for Transport.
National Aviation Gender Summit: the Deputy Minister took part in the National Aviation Gender Summit which serves as an annual platform for industry stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring gender equality in the aviation sector.
Road Safety: October being Transport Month, the Deputy Minister is currently criss-crossing the country checking on roads and rail and encouraging transport safety. He also conducted an unannounced oversight visit at a licensing testing centre in the Umhlathuze Municipality. The Deputy Minister along with senior officials from the transport sector, continue to do impromptu road inspections.
The Deputy Minister is currently tasked with the review of the National Road Safety Strategy.
Other key interventions: in terms of our manifesto commitments on scholar transport and rooting out corruption, the Deputy Minister is working on key interventions ensuring safe and reliable scholar transport for all learners that need it. In this regard he has also ensured the resuscitation of the National Inter-Departmental Committee on Scholar Transport.
He is also placing a strong focus on the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to ensure that it functions optimally to meet its mandate.
The Deputy Minister is committed to a comprehensive legislative review of the RAF, and we anticipate a RAF amendment bill before the end of the year.
The Deputy Minister has been delegated responsibility on the Road Traffic Management Corporation, Road Traffic Infringement Agency, Road Accident Fund, South African Maritime Safety Agency, Ports Regulator South Africa and the Cross Border Road Transport Agency. The AGMs of all these agencies have been convened by the Deputy Minister to ensure compliance and stability in governance.
Further the Deputy Minister has also is also responsible for provincial roads, and has already conducted working visits to the Eastern Cape and North West.
FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Hon. Narend Singh MP, our Treasurer-General, now holds the position of Deputy Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
International and local engagements: in his first 100 days of office, he led a number of local and international engagements. Some of the notable events included marking World Rhino Day, participating in the Municipal Just Energy Transition Conference, raising awareness about the plight of rhinos and the importance of their conservation.
The Deputy Minister thanked the Judiciary for the conviction of two ex-rangers for rhino poaching in Kruger National Park. Sentenced to 20 years, this case marks a significant victory in the fight against wildlife crime.
In September, the Deputy Minister chaired a high-level engagement to unlock an impasse in and around Cornubia, KwaZulu-Natal. These are areas that were impacted as a result of the release of a significant volume of agrochemicals into the environment when infrastructure was damaged during the 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal.
Conservation efforts: our manifesto speaks to You and Your Future with a strong emphasis on conservation. Deputy Minister Singh visited Sappi SAICCOR Mill, in Umkomaas, KwaZulu Natal and celebrate Arbor Month by planting a Warburgia salutaris (Pepperbark tree). This tree, once so endangered that it required protection by armed guards in the Kruger National Park, symbolises significant conservation efforts supported by Sappi.
On the 21st September, in collaboration with the eThekwini Metro, the DM hosted the International Coastal Clean-up Day at Cuttings Beach, Durban. DM Singh kicked off the month of October by officially opening the Environment Management Inspectorate (EMI) training in KwaZulu-Natal.
KWAZULU NATAL GPU
The IFP’s Provincial Chairperson Hon. Thamsanqa Ntuli MPL, is now the Premier in KZN, has made significant strides in his first 100 days in office, to meet the IFP’s manifesto commitments by outlining a comprehensive plan to drive inclusive growth, job creation, and stabilise public finances.
To address financial difficulties, he emphasised revenue enhancement, by urging departments to improve collection efforts and explore public-private partnerships.
Notable achievements of 100 days in Office of Premier Ntuli are the following:
- Financial Stability: reduced travel costs of his Government by 30%, extended asset replacement life cycle, and filled vacant posts to reduce reliance on costly consultants.
- Job Creation: created 49 permanent and 201 temporary jobs at Dube TradePort, and launched funds for youth-owned and women-owned businesses.
- Infrastructure Development: pledged to combine national and alternative funding sources for catalytic projects in agriculture, human settlements, and public works.
- Rural and Township Economies: revitalised KwaSithebe Industrial Park through dialogue with local leaders and businesses.
- Digital and Green Economy: established Digital Access Centres and plans to cultivate hemp for mine rehabilitation.
- Agriculture and Food Security: the SA Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has revealed that there are severe levels of food insecurity in the KwaZulu-Natal According to HSRC, food insecurity was more prevalent in the Zululand district where 35% of households were severely food insecure; uMkhanyakude with 17.1%; and uMzinyathi with 4.3%. The report said there is a need to increase agricultural production in each district through focused-food production and agro-processing investments. To this end the IFP-led KZN Government supported over 12,000 producers, promoting vegetable gardens and crop farming. These initiatives will be increased.
- Crime Prevention: Launched Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla campaign, targeting undocumented foreign nationals.
- Governance Reforms: Strengthened financial management and accountability in municipalities.
The Premier aims to build a capable and ethical Province that prioritises service delivery, inclusive economic growth and prosperity for all. With bold leadership and accountability, he believes the Province can overcome its challenges.
GAUTENG GPU
Gauteng Provincial Chairperson of the IFP, Hon. Bonginkosi Dhlamini’s first 100 days as Gauteng’s e-Government MEC have been marked by significant strides in enhancing digital safety and connectivity for the province’s residents.
Notable achievements of MEC Dhlamini include:
- Cybersecurity Priority: Dhlamini has prioritised cybersecurity, ensuring the province’s digital infrastructure is secure and resilient.
- e-Panic Button App: He launched the Gauteng e-Panic Button app, providing residents with instant access to emergency services, including private armed response and medical emergency services.
- Public Wi-Fi Sites: Dhlamini has unveiled public Wi-Fi sites across the province, bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion.
MEC Dhlamini’s efforts extend beyond digital infrastructure. He has distributed physical e-Panic Buttons to vulnerable communities, such as the elderly in Kagiso.
Through these initiatives, Dhlamini demonstrates his commitment to using technology to improve the lives of Gauteng residents which is in-line with our manifesto commitments.
VOICE OF REASON VS VOICES OF DESTRUCTION
I have taken note of those who have claimed that my tenure as Minister of Cogta have so far resulted too naught.
As outlined earlier, my department’s work speaks for itself.
There are also continued references being made about an IFP funded by the Oppenheimers. The IFP remains proud of our decades long friendship we have enjoyed with the Oppenheimer family, which resulted for example, in the formation of the Mangosuthu University of Technology, which today remains a beacon of hope for many young South Africans.
The IFP will remain a voice of reason in the GNU.
We are patriots building for the future. Not voices of destruction that seek to tear apart the very fabric of our society.
In stark contrast, the IFP has built schools, hospitals, universities, clinics and has vast governance experience, while the Voices of Destruction have stolen from the poor through VBS looting scandal. In their 10 years of existence their contribution has amounted to nothing more than race-baiting, insults, flip-flopping on crucial matters of national importance.
So, we remain undeterred by an organisation that is increasingly desperate, despondent and knows the upcoming 2026 elections might signal their death-knell.
UPDATES ON INTERNAL IFP MATTERS
We have taken note of some speculation around the IFP conference in the media.
We understand the interest. I therefore wish to provide the following update.
The IFP Secretary-General has set-up several audit teams, consisting of Members of the National Council – the Party’s highest decision-making body in-between conferences.
The audit teams will be responsible for auditing almost 800 IFP branches. And will audit the additional 1400 branches once they are inaugurated. The crucial audit process will be undertaken ahead of the IFP’s elective conference.
It goes without saying that this audit is necessary and is a crucial process that needs to be undertaken to ensure that credible and robust branches attend conference.
The audit is expected to take the remainder of the year.
In addition, I wish to report that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party met with the leadership of various IFP-run municipalities over the weekend.
The process is part of routine oversight.
The meeting also gave effect to the IFP National Council’s resolution of Saturday 10 August 2024, in which the highest decision-making body of the Party, publicly communicated that it would endorse the assessment and review of the Party’s service delivery performance, in all IFP-governed municipalities by November 2024.
TAIWAN, ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
We condemn the escalation in violence in Gaza and now Lebanon. Further to that, we condemn the spread of violence to the wider middle-East.
We urge the leaders of Israel and all other world leaders involved in the talks between Israel and Palestine, to urgently come back to the negotiating table.
A ceasefire is now non-negotiable. We urge peace and for the Two State solution to be implemented without further delay.
The IFP has taken note, with concern, reports that Taiwan might be forced from its offices in Pretoria. The said request to move, is apparently due to external pressures.
The IFP has long been a firm supporter and friend of the people of Taiwan. However, our support and friendship with Taiwan is not an anti-China stance.
The IFP founded on the principles of democracy, solidarity, freedom, and unity in diversity, support Taiwan’s aspirations to self-determination.
It is reported that Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has threatened to close Taiwan’s offices and that there is no room for negotiations.
The IFP is concerned by the impact such actions will have on the bilateral framework South Africa has enjoyed with Taiwan for the past 26 years.
It is this bilateral framework that has allowed South Africa to export millions of dollars’ worth of goods to Taiwan. In addition to this, Taiwan has made substantial investments in trade, the economy and technological development in South Africa.
As South Africa starts to rebuild, we can ill-afford to lose the contributions of Taiwan.
It is therefore the IFP’s hope that cool heads will prevail, and that Taiwan will be allowed to continue to contribute to South Africa’s growth and turn-around. We hope that the resolution mechanisms built into the machinery of the GNU, will allow for the matter to be resolved as a matter of urgency.
ON OTHER GNU MATTERS
The IFP will remain a voice of reason in the GNU. And let me make it categorically clear that we will not abandon our identity.
To that end, we will continue to champion the Ingonyama Trust as a vehicle to ensure access to land for the majority of our people. We will continue to support Ithala Bank to become fully functional, so that it can fulfil its intended purpose of empowering the poor and marginalised. We will continue to support Traditional Leaders. If we expand the roles and function of Traditional Leaders, they will be empowered to play a more effective role in support of our democracy.
With regards to the deadlock on the NHI and the BELA Act, we are of the view that an opportunity must be created within the GNU to open a dialogue on the policy proposals where we fundamentally differ. And to find a common ground and solution.
For example, the IFP believes in universal health coverage. However, we think the current prevailing circumstances within our dilapidated health care system will not allow for the successful roll out of this system. The basics are just not in place to ensure a sustainable implementation of the NHI.
We therefore welcome the establishment of a GNU Clearing House which will deal with to deal with policy disagreements. The IFP is represented by the Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa on this structure.
CONCLUSION
We went into the May elections drawing on the great legacy of our Founder, the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Our Founder lived his life in the service of our nation. He believed in practical measures to empower South Africans towards self-help and self-reliance.
As a democrat, Prince Buthelezi was committed to leading with integrity and truly serving.
That commitment remains the fundamental mission of the IFP.
We are on a mission to deliver on our manifesto promises. We are resolute that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we work with the GNU collective to root out corruption and wasteful expenditure. We will use every cent of taxpayer monies, wisely. While tackling the key challenges facing our country and this Province, decisively.
We make this commitment to you, because IFP leaders are servants of the people.
The IFP believes you deserve a government that serves you with integrity. A government you can trust.
We believe that the GNU and the GPUs are starting to do what is needed towards building a better, more prosperous South Africa. All indicators point to this being the turning point for South Africa.
We will continue to put reBuiliding South Africa at the centre of the IFP’s focus. We will continue to put South Africans at the centre of our work. The IFP will remain true to its identity.
