03 June 2008

 
The IFP caucus at uMgungundlovu District Municipality has been angered by the suggestions made by the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans' Association (MKMVA) during today's march against xenophobia in Pietermaritzburg that the party was behind the recent attacks against foreign nationals.

The MKMVA marchers, led by their regional chairman Babsy Sithole, were heard shouting anti-IFP slogans linking the party to the attacks.

"The IFP condemns xenophobia in the strongest terms. We have distanced ourselves from the shameful attacks against foreigners in equally forceful language. We have supported all civil society initiatives against xenophobia, including today's march in Pietermaritzburg, but we do not look kindly on the baseless accusations made against us by MK veterans," said Councillor Ntokozo Bhengu who leads the IFP in the uMgungundlovu District Council.

The IFP caucus at uMgungundlovu District Municipality cannot help but view the anti-IFP slogans of the MKMVA as a cheap electioneering shot in the run-up to the 2009 general election. "We hope the MK veterans will find time and courage to address some of the pertinent issues of direct concern to the electorate before next year's poll," said Cllr Bhengu.