IFP MEDIA STATEMENT BY: 
IFP CAUCUS (PARLIAMENT)

15th May 2008

The Inkatha Freedom Party Parliamentary Caucus would like to put on record that we believe that the failure of Government to deliver services to the people of Alexandra has caused the current crisis in that township. 

The IFP would therefore like to reject, in the strongest possible manner, the notion that it is the IFP that has caused the violence in Alexandra. 

Mr Lucas commented: "As a party we believe that it is time that the Department of Foreign Affairs together with the Department of Home Affairs champion a tangible programme to deal with Xenophobia, which is running amok in this country. 

"The IFP believes that Xenophobia, must not only be strongly condemned, but it is time for all people of goodwill, to stand together and to STOP the persecution of innocent men, women, and children. 

"The IFP believes it is grossly inhuman to harass and attack our African brothers and sisters for escaping the political and economic conditions that are beyond their control and not of their own doing. 

In conclusion Mr Lucas said: "We would like to call for an urgent Commission of Enquiry to tackle this crisis before more innocent lives are lost."