On hearing reports that "ANC heavyweights" had arrived in KwaZulu-Natal for a political tourism visit, the IFP's National Spokesperson, Musa Zondi, today "warmly welcomed the ANC leadership to KwaZulu-Natal" and expressed the hope that "they would take with them a greater understanding of the province."

Musa Zondi said that the ANC leadership (who it is said are to be deployed far and wide across the province) would face a bewildering choice of things to do during their stay. From cosmopolitan Durban - one of the world's most culturally diverse cities - to well-stocked game reserves with the "Big Five" (including the rare black rhino), endless miles of sun-drenched beaches to the crisp mountain air of the mighty Drakensburg mountains and historical battlefields, the ANC visitors will be spoilt for choice. This is not to mention the wonderful culinary delights that await them.

Musa Zondi, however, expressed surprise that the ANC top brass said they were in KwaZulu-Natal to launch their election campaign and expected to win the province.

Musa Zondi said:

"The IFP warmly welcomes the ANC leadership to KwaZulu-Natal, but the ANC leaders have simply scheduled their visit too late in terms of hoping for electoral returns. The ANC should have considered their electoral strategy a few years ago. The voters simply will not fall for this last ditch effort."

"The IFP, nevertheless, relishes this challenge. The IFP can promise the ANC a first-class political contest, as long as the ANC plays by the rules of the game."

"The ANC lost the province in 1994 and 1999 and the IFP is confident of winning the province in 2004."