The Inkatha Freedom Party has strongly condemned the political intimidation of its members by ANC supporters in Tshwane, at the weekend.

The IFP gathered at the Soutpan Sports Grounds on Sunday morning where they were greeted by 100 ANC members, preventing them from starting the meeting. The ANC members then assaulted the IFP supporters and damaged IFP posters.

"What we are seeing now are signs of a desperate ANC who know that they are losing significant ground at grass-roots level ahead of the 2009 election," said Alwin Madela, the IFP's Gauteng Spokesperson.

Political violence against its members is a matter that the IFP takes very seriously and which we will continue to monitor closely, taking whatever steps are necessary to protect our supporters.

"The IFP will not tolerate political intolerance. We would like to remind the ANC that our nation comes from a history of deep division and strife; let us never through our deeds or words, take our people back down that road. Let us, as political parties, promote freedom of speech and tolerance ahead of next year's election," concluded Madela.

The SAPS is investigating the matter, but the IFP has fingered the ANC's Thomas Baloyi as the main instigator of the violence.

Contact:

Alwin Madela, 078 250 7643

or Liezl van der Merwe, 083 611 7470