The National Organiser of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Mr Albert Mncwango MP has announced that the theme of the 2003 IFP Annual General Conference is:

'The IFP leading democratic renewal for development, growth, security and national unity'.

The Conference will be held at the eMandleni/Matleng Youth Training Centre in Ulundi between Friday 11 July and Sunday 13 July 2003.

Mr Mncwango said:

"The theme of the Conference captures the serious workmanlike approach that will be adopted by this Conference as the Party prepares for the most important General Election Poll since 1994."

"Development, growth, security and national unity are without question the most important issues facing our country and still fragile democracy. The IFP is serious about responding to these challenges with workable solutions. It is time to enter into serious arguments and debates, not merely take them up."

"This is time not for soundbites and gimmicks, but to address the fears and hopes of the nation's peoples."

After the registration of delegates on Friday morning, there will be a special plenary session 'The IFP in Government' in the main hall.

In this session at 15h00 the Party's National Minister's and Deputy-Ministers, led by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, followed by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr L.P.H.M Mtshali on behalf of the provincial ministers, will give a report of their departments activities. The Chairperson of KwaNaloga, Dr G.B.J Ndelela will provide a report on the Party's participation in Local Government, particularly in IFP led municipalities. Delegates in this interactive session will have an opportunity to directly ask questions, in accordance with the Party's commitment to excellent and open government.

On the Saturday morning, the Party President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will make his keynote address. The Party President's address will chart the Party's direction and vision as it positions itself to fight the 2004 General Election, and at the frontline of providing solutions and answers to the major issues and questions facing South Africa.

In the afternoon and evening sessions, delegates will be divided into commissions and will deliberate on identified topics that are directly relevant to the Party President's address and the theme of the Conference.

The deliberations of these topics will be used to formulate the Party's resolutions that will be presented to the Conference on the Sunday morning.

Contact:
Albert Mncwango MP, National Organiser: 082 745 0587
Jon Cayzer, IFP Communications Directorate, 031 365-1323/ e-mail: jonc@ifp.org.za

Note for editors: Please note that the Conference will begin on Friday 11 July at 15:00 hrs and that the special plenary session is open to the media. A press conference will follow immediately after the close of the first session on the Saturday morning. Requests for interviews should be forwarded in advance to the Communications Directorate to ensure that they are accommodated.