08 October 2009

JOINT STATEMENT 

RE: LEADERSHIP OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY BY 

REVEREND MUSA ZONDI MP, IFP SECRETARY-GENERAL &
MRS ZANELE kaMAGWAZA-MISBI, IFP NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON 

DURBAN: THURSDAY, 08 OCTOBER 2009  

We have called this press conference to, once and for all, stop the speculation, firstly, pertaining to our individual positions and, secondly, to appeal to our members to desist from nominating leadership candidates ahead of the party's Annual General Conference. Reverend Zondi and I are concerned about not only the damage that is being inflicted upon Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi's leadership, but also upon the reputation and good standing of the Inkatha Freedom Party. 

Reverend Zondi and I would like to jointly appeal to those members and renegades who are nominating either of us ahead of the Elective Conference to stop doing so. Neither of us will accept nominations ahead of the conference, and we both wish to distance ourselves from these clandestine activities. We are both inspired by the ideal of public service and were drawn to politics to serve others, not our own individual interests. Nor will we have our good names be used by those with less than honourable intentions. 

We further wish to state that Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has led this party with distinction, grace and inspirational leadership since 1975. It flows from this premise that obviously, when the day comes, the transition to a new leadership must be dealt with delicately, with solemn dignity and, hopefully, seamlessly. But that is for another day. 

We wish to make it clear that we will not stand by and allow our statesman to be humiliated or his legacy trashed by a few insurgents. Their underhand scheming is inimical to the culture of the party which is based on respect and good manners. The 'Buthelezi brand', we recognise, is, rightly or wrongly, bigger than that of the IFP. In this sense, we believe Prince Buthelezi is a gift to the entire nation, not just the IFP. We therefore place on record that as long as the IFP wishes him to serve and he agrees to do so, we will serve under his leadership. 

On a personal note, Reverend Zondi and I work closely together as a team with the Prince. 

I thank you.