10th December 2009

The Official Opposition in KwaZulu-Natal, iNkatha Freedom Party, said its victory in the iMbabazane and Ward 16 eShowe by-elections silenced the prophets of doom who have predicted the demise of the party.

Reacting to the news of the IFP's win, its Leader in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi further stated that the IFP's win was the voters' clearest rebuttal of ANC Youth League President Julius Malema who recently castigated the IFP and its leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Among other parties, the IFP defeated the ruling ANC in both these elections.

Dr Buthelezi continued: "The IFP's victory is indeed a slap in the face of the prophets of doom who have already written our obituary. Above that, the voters have used the ballot box to unambiguously tell Mr.

Julius Malema to "go to hell" following his recent diatribe against our party and our President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

"We wish to humble ourselves in gratefulness before the young and old who put everything aside and went to vote for our party. With them on our side, we will certainly strive diligently to ensure that the ruling party delivers on the promises they made during elections. Our thanks also go to all IFP activists and leaders of all ranks who worked day-and-night to ensure this victory. The struggle continues!"

For Further Information:

Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi MPL

Leader: KZN Official Opposition                 082 516 0156