21 September 2009

INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY STATES ITS POSITION ON THE TRANSFORMATION CONTROVERSY, IN A STATEMENT READ AT THE MEDIA CONFERENCE; ON MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2009 AT THE IFP HEAD OFFICE IN DURBAN 

Read By: M. Joshua Mazibuko
Deputy-Secretary: EThekwini IFP

Immediately after the 2009 elections the IFP began to experience expressions of consternation from within the party, which resulted from disappointment among members, with the manner we had performed at the elections. Let us state at the outset that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the membership expressing their concerns or even unhappiness with any aspect of the party. That is our constitutional right. And such expressions of unhappiness were understandable in the circumstances.   

For the record, this District and every member of the IFP - from the very top leadership - want the IFP to develop, to grow and to extend its influence throughout South Africa. Call that transformation if you like.

Lest we forget, the transformation agenda in the IFP has been going on for some years now. It was that agenda which brought back the position of the Secretary-General which had not existed for a few years. It was the same agenda which led to the manner in which the current National Council is constituted. It was that agenda which led to the IFP Youth Brigade electing their own Chairperson.  

It is the same transformation agenda that resulted in the Vukuzithathe Campaign that was adopted by the extended National Council of the IFP at its meeting of the 12-14 June in uLundi; and which is spearheaded by the Office of the Secretary-General.  

As the IFP in eThekwini we are committed to that transformation agenda; the agenda which seeks to transform the party through constitutional and democratic means; the agenda which seeks to consolidate the gains of the party and the legacy of our President rather than destroy them. This is the transformation agenda that the vast majority of the IFP members are committed to.  

It is however unfortunate that some political observers and sections of the media have given judgment to the effect that the IFP consists of two camps: those who want transformation and those who are opposed to transformation. It is a mischievous myth that there is a particular faction within the IFP, which alone, is at the forefront of transformation and that those who do not agree with them, are therefore anti-transformation. The difference is between those who are committed to orderly transformation and those committed to anarchy and rudeness. 

No genuine member of the IFP would deliberately flout our constitution and drive agendas which undermine our President and the current leadership of the Party. No trustworthy and faithful member of the IFP would allow themselves to be addressed by persons who have been expelled from the IFP. 

In this light, we want to spell out that the so-called IFP Youth meeting that was held at uMlazi yesterday was unconstitutional and illegal.

Therefore, every word uttered there, or deed engaged in there will have no effect on the IFP. The IFP Constitution spells out clearly that the "District Youth Chairperson shall with the approval of the District Executive, call District Youth Conferences and rallies to strengthen the youth." (6.29 (b); p.24). That meeting was never approved by this Executive Committee.  

As the leadership of the IFP in eThekwini, we reject with contempt such elements. We distance ourselves from all words and deeds which are unconstitutional, illegal, defamatory, rude and disruptive which some sections of the IFP Youth Brigade have engaged in. And we disown such elements as agent provocateurs whose objectives are to ensure the destruction of our party.  

It is gross irresponsibility for anyone to engage in disruptive and clandestine programs to sabotage the party when there are avenues guaranteed within our constitution through which members can voice their opinions and aspirations. And anyone aspiring to any leadership position must instead work towards the revival and inauguration of our branches so that we will hold the party's annual conference where all such matters will be debated.  

That is the position of the IFP in this District of eThekwini.