It was with regret that the IFP noted the comments of African National Congress Youth League secretary in KwaZulu-Natal that the IFP were not invited to the one-day Youth Indaba on Racism in Durban on August 26, because the Party "did not share (our) commitment to root out racism."

The IFP youth has a sterling record of being at the forefront of the fight against racism and is justly proud of its record as advocates of reconciliation and of reason over prejudice.

It may well be the case that the IFP does not share every contention of the ANC on how to eradicate racism, but undoubtedly shares an equal commitment as borne out by our governance of KwaZulu-Natal.

In a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the IFP's solid commitment to combating racism, it is actually the ANC's KwaZulu-Natal Youth League's duplicity, lack of commitment to inclusiveness and plurality that Mr Sihle Zikalala neatly reveals. It will be interesting to know what the ANC's required criteria for "common understanding of the question of racial discrimination" is, in which Mr Zikalala bizarrely claims the IFP is found wanting.

Mr Mntomuhle Khawula, Chairperson of the IFP Youth Brigade said:

"It is wrong, though perhaps not unsurprising, that the ANC Youth League should so cynically use the issue of racism in a party political fashion."

"This issue transcends Party differences and the attitude the ANC has adopted can only take South Africa backwards to its past of strife and prejudice."

The ANC does not have a monopoly on this issue. Racism is an international scourge as demonstrated by the forthcoming International Conference on Racism. The challenge for the ANC is now to reconsider their position and invite all who wish to attend and contribute."

"It is relevant to note, however, that the short-sightedness of the KZN ANC Youth League is not shared by their national counterpart."

"The IFP Youth Brigade is proud to be taking part at the International Youth Racism Conference in Durban on the 26 - 27 August."

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