ISSUED BY MR BLESSED GWALA
PARTY SPOKESPERSON
IFP INFORMATION CENTRE

IFP WELCOMES PEACE DRIVE

IFP INFORMATION CENTRE : OCTOBER 9, 1998 

But expresses concern at exclusion

The IFP congratulates the residents of the Sundumbili township in Mandeni for hosting a "peace celebration" on Sunday. The IFP welcomes all initiatives aimed at restoring peace in our beautiful province and the IFP prays that the people of this previously troubled community will find hope in peace.

Exclusion

However, the IFP is deeply concerned that it was excluded from the preparations and discussions, which have obviously preceded the "peace celebration". The violence in Sundumbili has involved both ANC and IFP members and it is highly regrettable that the IFP has been excluded from taking part in the establishment of peace.

"One hopes that the IFP’s marginalisation in this process will not aggravate Sundumbili’s drive for peace. The IFP’s National Chairman and Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Ben Ngubane will reiterate the need for peace when he addresses the people of Sundumbili on Sunday. We sincerely hope that this is enough to curb the rising tide of anger that is building amongst IFP supporters in Sundumbili," said Mr Blessed Gwala.

Way forward

"The IFP will do all in its power to push the peace process forward. We will urge our members to cooperate with the drive for peace and, as the governing Party in this province, we will support the establishment of peace in our communities every single step of the way," confirmed Gwala.

For further information, please contact Mr Blessed Gwala on 082 5684699.