01 May 2009

The Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade has unequivocally rejected media claims that the youth brigade is calling for the removal of party President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, following the party's disappointing showing in last week's election.

"We know that some of our comrades are unhappy with the results we got during the 2009 general elections, but we do not believe that the solution will be found by fighting among ourselves. I want to make it very clear that the IFP Youth Brigade supports the current IFP leadership and we fully support and respect our party president," said Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi, the IFP's Youth Brigade Chairperson.

Lebenya–Ntanzi said she did not believe that any leaders of the party should be asked to step down, adding that the upcoming general conferences of the party will allow members to raise their concerns.

"The IFP will be holding its Annual General conference as well as its Youth and Women's Brigade conferences later this year. Our conferences will take place in July or August this year and those who are familiar with our party's constitution will know that we will elect leaders at these conferences. We therefore ask our member to respect these rules," said Lebenya-Ntanzi.

Lebeyna-Ntanzi added that disaffected youth should use proper platforms for voicing whatever reservations there may be about the party's leadership. "Our upcoming conferences will provide forums for discussion about the future direction of the party as well. We want to warn rogue elements within the youth brigade structures to abide by the party's principles and to refrain from discussing internal party matters with outsiders," concluded Lebenya-Ntanzi.

Contact:
Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi,            078 186 3619 or
Liezl van der Merwe,            083 611 7470.