LETTER TO THE EDITOR
THE MERCURY
Mr Philani Mgwaba
Via email: [email protected]
Dear Mr Mgwaba:
Your paper’s interpretation of recent events in the IFP is misguided, and is yet another attempt to manufacture a story where there is none. (IFP’s Zondi retires from active politics, 07 February 2012).
The allegation that the resignation of the Party’s Secretary-General Rev. Musa Zondi has been kept secret is a complete fabrication. During a press conference on 9 December 2011, Rev. Zondi publicly declared his intention to retire after 32 years in politics, to devote his waning energies to his family and his church.
In response, the IFP President stated that the IFP would accept Rev. Zondi’s intentions for the future, with enormous regret. These facts are public knowledge. While his resignation is a great loss to the Party it was neither a surprise nor a secret.
Contrary to the views expressed by The Mercury, there is no link between the resignations of former IFP leaders, while the assertion that the IFP “continues to bleed senior leaders” is simply malicious and devoid of any truth.
The Buthelezis resigned to further their careers outside of politics. While Mr Mncwango no longer features in his former position, he remains a committed MP, a loyal member and a leader of the organization. His skills are being well utilized in the Party.
It is clear that The Mercury deliberately tried to misrepresent the facts as evidence of a leadership vacuum, which is quite absurd.
The National Council, the Party’s highest decision-making body, has a wealth of leadership and knowledge. It consists of a former Premier, mayors and former mayors, former Ministers and MECs, MPs, MPLs and a Chairperson of the National Assembly. Just because one or two individuals are no longer available to lead, or have left the Party for one reason or another, most certainly does not mean that the IFP is suddenly bleeding leaders.
It is mischievous of KwaZulu Natal political analyst, Zakhele Ndlovu, to claim that Rev. Zondi’s resignation is “indicative of trouble that the IFP had failed to acknowledge”.
Over 36 years, the IFP has seen the beginning and culmination of many political careers, and we are still here. Rev. Zondi has been a consistent presence in the IFP. There is no doubt that his expertise and wisdom will be missed. But his departure closes a chapter, not the book.
Liezl van der Merwe
Press Liaison Officer to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP
