11th November 2009

Inkatha Freedom Party has taken a decision to suspend its Youth Brigade Chairperson in eThekwini, Mr. Muzi Simelane with immediate effect. In a statement issued today, jointly by the IFP Provincial Secretary Dr. Bonginkosi Buthelezi and eThekwini IFP Deputy Secretary Mr. Joshua Mazibuko, the party said:

"Following the completion of the disciplinary hearing against Mr. Muzi Simelane, former eThekwini Chairman of the IFP Youth Brigade, on allegations of infringing the IFP Constitution, the Disciplinary Committee of the IFP in eThekwini arrived at the verdict which found him guilty. He was consequently sentenced to a three-year suspension of his membership of the party, which also prevented him from holding any IFP Office for the next three years.

"The verdict and sentence of the eThekwini IFP was ratified by the National Executive Committee of the IFP at its meeting held on Monday, 09 November 2009 at the IFP Head Office. 

"Mr. Simelane's suspension in effect means that as from Monday (09/11/09) onwards until a period of three years has elapsed, he has no authority or mandate whatsoever to make any pronouncements in the name of or on behalf of any structure of the IFP or to associate himself with any structure or activity of the IFP throughout South Africa.

"We hope and expect that every institution or individual committed to the entrenchment of democratic principles in our country, will respect the IFP's internal constitutional processes by ceasing to engage Mr.

Simelane on any issue which pertains to the IFP and its activities." 

For Further Information:

Dr. Bonginkosi Buthelezi

IFP Provincial Secretary                              082 516 0156