10th March 2009

As much as the IFP sympathises with the casualties of yesterday's stampede at the Social Development offices in Estcourt, it bears no responsibility for the unfortunate incident. 

"The blame for the stampede goes entirely to KwaZulu Natal MEC for Social Development Meshack Radebe who has deliberately misled the destitute people in the area, telling them to apply for social relief grants at his department's Estcourt offices," said Mayor of Umtshezi Lymon Shelembe. 

The IFP was mortified by the sight of about 2000 people who gathered at the Social Development offices in Estcourt yesterday. "We wish to reiterate that the IFP was not responsible for the announcement or the buses that brought these unfortunate people to the Estcourt CBD," said Mayor Shelembe. 

The IFP maintains that the MEC's readiness to pass the blame on to the local IFP structures reveals the ruling party's cynicism and recklessness. "The MEC has demonstrated that he and his party will not spare human lives in the pursuit of victory at all costs in the upcoming elections," said Mayor Shelembe.
 

Contact:
Mayor Lymon Shelembe
082 802 6106