23 October 2007

The IFP has announced it will not participate in the initiative of Taking Parliament to the People in Vryheid this week unless Bheki Cele, ANC MEC for Transport, issues a public apology for his invectives directed at the IFP President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on the opening day yesterday. 

Yesterday Cele’s remarks elicited an angry response from the crowd. In a related incident, IFP President’s daughter, Princess Phumzile Buthelezi, sustained a head injury. 

Earlier today, the IFP conditioned its further participation in the parliamentary proceedings by a public apology from Cele to the people of Vryheid and a private one from the Speaker of the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Parliament to Prince Buthelezi and his family. 

In response, the ANC has ostensibly refused to apologise. Instead, the ruling party appears to blame yesterday’s disruption on an opening statement by the Leader of the Official Opposition who summed up the ruling party’s record of broken promises in the area. It must be pointed out that the Leader of the Official Opposition was actually applauded by the public. 

The IFP would like to make it clear that at the root of yesterday’s commotion was the people’s anger at the lack of service delivery, further incited by Cele’s insensitive outburst. On a related note, the IFP would like to applaud its President Prince Buthelezi for address which at once appeased the angry crowd. 

The IFP has also thrown its weight behind the joint statement by the DA, ACDP and UDM which condemned yesterday’s chaos as a result of the ruling party’s failure to implement agreements reached at a multi-party forum ahead of Taking Parliament to the People in Vryheid. 

The initiative, despite numerous objections from the opposition parties, continues to lack an inclusive spirit and remains a public forum for the ruling party to garner votes for whatever election follows next. All practical arrangements surrounding Taking Parliament to the People, including public transport and catering, appear to complement the ruling party’s intention to abuse the initiative for political gain. 

In addition, the IFP has raised concerns about the proliferation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operatives in the area, apparently sanctioned by the ANC provincial secretary. The IFP objects to the presence of an illegal paramilitary organisation where security of the delegates and guests is guaranteed by the formal organs of the state.

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902