13th May 2008

The ruling party's excuse for renaming Mangosuthu Highway in Umlazi because Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is a living person is feeble, says the IFP.

"South Africa is criss-crossed by public places that bear the names of Nelson Mandela or Albertina Sisulu both of whom are still alive. The ANC's attempts to rename Mangosuthu Highway stem solely from their desire to marginalise the IFP leader," said IFP leader in eThekwini Council, Councillor Thembi Nzuza.

The IFP has long opposed the ruling party's determination to rename hundreds of streets and public places in Durban because of the ANC's unwillingness to consult other political parties or even residents.

"Last year the ANC flatly ignored the public display of opposition to the renaming process when thousands of IFP supporters marched through the streets of Durban in protest. So much for the ruling party's commitment to respect the will of the people," said Councillor Nzuza.

Mangosuthu Highway was named after the IFP leader whose fund-raising efforts led to the establishment of Mangosuthu Technikon which lies along the highway. The IFP caucus in eThekwini Council will continue to fight the decision to rename the highway.