The National Spokesperson of the IFP, Reverend K.M Zondi, today said the Party solidly supported the "magnanimous, statesmanlike and principled" actions of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr L.P.H.M Mtshali, in generously inviting the ANC to submit representatives for the two portfolios of Public Works and Agriculture and Environment.

Reverend Zondi said:

"The Premier has decisively acted in the greater interests of KwaZulu-Natal and multi-party democracy by his magnanimous gesture inviting the ANC to submit representatives for the portfolios of Public Works and Agriculture and Environment."

"The Premier has acted in the spirit of the Party's National Cordinating Committee's Resolution adopted at the weekend:"

"To take whatever action is necessary and advisable to ensure the will of the people is respected and multi-party democracy is promoted not only in KZN, but in the whole of South Africa".

"Undoubtedly, the Premier has put the interests of the voters of KwaZulu-Natal first and has risen above the difficulties and problems that have beset the relationship between IFP and the ANC. Moreover, it is important to underline that the offer made to the ANC is to underpin stability and strengthen good governance in the province, and is not a response to the immoral floor-crossing legislation which seeks to subvert democracy."

"Today's cabinet reshuffle by the Premier provides a basis for solving problems in a fashion that is appropriate to democratic discourse and that does not resort to confrontation and discord. The IFP hopes that the ANC accepts this offer in the generous spirit it is given".