In response to the unrelenting media speculation that I aspire to lead the IFP, I unequivocally and fully express my full support of the leadership of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

I would like to bring an end to the innuendo and rumours that have persisted in recent weeks, fuelled by unscrupulous and dishonest elements. These reports have suggested that I am a leader of a faction that seeks to oust Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi from the leadership of the IFP. There have also been allegations that I am a 'reformist' who demands transformation with the undisguised insinuation that it is Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who is resisting change.

I wish to make it clear that if there are any persons or factions within, or aligned to the Party, who are agitating for me to challenge Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi for the leadership, that they do so without my approval and should stop forthwith.

I do not want to be leader and I want those who say I do to shut up. Their thrust is not my thrust. Nor is the IFP a Party divided between so-called 'traditionalists' and 'modernisers'. We cohere around a common set of political values. We are one family and that family is led by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

As the National Chairperson, I serve alongside Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and I am wholly committed to the transformation project for the renewal and rejuvenation of the Party which he put into place at the last Annual General Conference and which he continues to pursue with vigour.

I have no hidden agenda. I am a servant of the IFP and I am loyal to my leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. I have full confidence in the quality of his leadership. I believe he is the right man for this demanding job, who deserves the support of all loyal IFP members.

I therefore call upon all members of the IFP to concentrate on defeating our political opponents: the ANC government which is failing the people of South Africa every day. A government that has failed on HIV/Aids. A government that has failed to create jobs. A government that has presided over the widening poverty and inequality gap which consigns the majority of our people to gut-wrenching poverty.