PRESS STATEMENT BY
THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY

IFP CONDEMNS ‘DISGRACEFUL’ COMMENTS BY MINISTER OF SAFETY & SECURITY

CAPE TOWN :  22 JUNE, 2000

IFP Safety and Security Spokesperson, Mr Velaphi Ndlovu, today condemned, as disgraceful, comments made by Minister of Safety & Security, Steve Tshwete, in a debate in the National Assembly today.

During the course of the debate on Nongoma, Mr Tshwete referred to IFP MP, Mr Mncwango as "a problem" which "we must find a way of dealing with once and for all", causing the Speaker to intervene and caution Minister Tshwete.

Mr Ndlovu said: 

"The Ministers comments are totally unacceptable from any member of the House, let alone from a Minister of State entrusted with the safety and security of all South African citizens."

"The IFP is grateful to the Speaker for intervening to caution the Minister against making such disgraceful and threatening comments."

"We demand an immediate apology from the Minister and a public statement withdrawing these remarks. We put him on notice that he will be held personally responsible should any harm come to Mr Mncwango."

"It is a great shame that the Minister could not follow the example of the Deputy President who fulfilled his responsibility to the House by making a statement addressing the matter at hand rather than issuing threats to other members."

"I hope that the ANC will now discipline Minister Tshwete for his highly inflammatory and irresponsible comments."

IFP Parliamentary Media Office, Cape Town 083 506 8639