17th May 2008
 

The IFP cannot help but view the long-standing political campaign of interference in the provincial House of Traditional Leaders by the KwaZulu Natal MEC for Traditional Affairs Michael Mabuyakhulu as a drive to depose IFP President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. 

Last month the KwaZulu Natal provincial government passed a resolution which declares the post of Chairperson of KwaZulu Natal House of Traditional Leaders full-time and requires the incumbent, Prince Buthelezi, to relinquish either this position or his seat in the National Assembly. 

Most recently, during the Freedom Day celebrations at Macambini the MEC falsely claimed he was verbally attacked by Prince Buthelezi.

Mabuyahkulu has since demanded a public apology.  

"We in the IFP wish to expose the MEC's sustained campaign against Prince Buthelezi as well as the particular timing of the provincial government resolution as a transparent early electioneering tool," said IFP Secretary-General Rev Musa Zondi. 

The IFP rejects with contempt Mabuyakhulu's version of the Macambini incident. "Prince Buthelezi was denied an opportunity to reply formally to the MEC's dubious public statements made at Macambini and elsewhere and, as a result, had no choice but to address the MEC in person," said Rev Zondi.
 

Contact: IFP Secretary-General, Rev Musa Zondi, 083 440 5966