The IFP National Chairperson, Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, has appealed to leaders of the ANC in KwaZulu Natal to urge their supporters to respect every individual's right to choose a political party, following the disturbance created earlier today by ANC cadres in Newlands West, Durban, where kaMagwaza-Msibi was welcoming new members to her party. 

"My appeal is to the provincial ANC leadership whom I exhort to urge their members and supporters to show political tolerance. South Africa is a multi-party democracy in which people have the right to choose political parties according to their inclinations," said kaMagwaza-Msibi.  

While the IFP National Chairperson was welcoming about 130 former ANC supporters into the IFP fold in Newlands West, ANC members went out of their way to disrupt the gathering with loud music and intimidation.   

"The behaviour of these people was the very reason why many of the disaffected members of the Newlands West community decided to turn their back on the ruling party and seek a new political home in the IFP," said kaMagwaza-Msibi. 

The IFP National Chairperson has recently welcomed scores of former ANC members in KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and in the Eastern Cape. "The common denominator during these gatherings is public dissatisfaction with the pace of service delivery promised by the ruling party," said kaMagwaza-Msibi. 

The IFP is monitoring the situation in Newlands West in the wake of today's welcoming ceremony. "Every instance of political intimidation must be reported to the authorities," said kaMagwaza-Msibi. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi
082 804 7993