23rd February 2009

The IFP wishes to place on record that the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling that ordered it not to hold its rally within 5km from the venue of the ANC's rally at Nseleni last weekend was only communicated to the local IFP leadership when their rally was already in progress. 

"We have the deepest respect for the rule of law and we would never have contravened a court ruling if it had been brought to our attention in time to allow us to redirect our election activities elsewhere in accordance with the ruling," said IFP National Organiser Albert Mncwango.

The IFP also wishes to reiterate that it abides by its own election campaign schedule which was agreed on by its leadership last year and which runs independently of the ANC's campaign activities. "We are not privy to the ANC's campaign plans and we have no business whatsoever interfering with the ANC's election events," said Mncwango. 

The IFP calls on the ANC to make use of the existing lines of communication established between ANC Provincial Secretary Mr Senzo Mchunu and his IFP counterpart Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi to nurture political tolerance by way of continued bilateral talks.

"The ANC would give a solid proof of its commitment to political tolerance if it agreed to synchronise its election activities so as to avoid holding rallies concurrently with the IFP. Instead, the ANC appears to prefer running to the IEC at the slightest pretext without even attempting to first communicate with the IFP," said Mncwango.

Finally, the IFP is at pains to reiterate its absolute commitment to the concept of political tolerance in KwaZulu Natal and elsewhere ahead of the upcoming elections and beyond. "We stand by the recent joint statement of IFP President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and ANC President Mr Jacob Zuma and we are prepared to build on the expression of our mutual respect," said Mncwango.

Contact:
Albert Mncwango,      083 448 4896 
IFP National Organiser