PRESS STATEMENT
BY
THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
PREMIER CLARIFIES REMARKS
CONCERNING EXHORTATION TO AMABUTHO TO ATTEND OPENING OF PROVINCIAL
LEGISLATURE
DURBAN : FEBRUARY 17, 2003
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and the National Chairperson of the IFP, Dr L.P.H.M Mtshali, has clarified and amplified remarks he made to IFP supporters during a political rally held at Kwa-Mncane on Sunday 9 February.
Dr Mtshali exhorted the amabutho to be present at the opening of the provincial legislature on February 28 2003, in keeping with tradition and as an act of powerful symbolism of the Zulu nation. Dr Mtshali was not, as he has been misrepresented in some sections, calling for disruptions or for demonstrations.
Dr Mtshali said:
present at the Pietermaritzburg opening of the legislature - as they always have been in Ulundi over the years - in a rich expression of patriotism and to see for themselves where the new legislature is located.""I regret my exhortation to the amabutho has been misunderstood and misrepresented in some quarters. I was encouraging the amabutho to be
"I, of course, would not encourage disruption or demonstrations at the opening of an event that I am personally presiding over and at which I will be unveiling the IFP led government's programme for the forthcoming year."
"My government and the IFP look forward to a fruitful and dignified opening of the legislature."
Contact:
0ffice of the Premier, 083 377 6787