The IFP has taken note of recent policy statements and contradictions coming from top-ranking ANC officials and we believe that all South Africans should be deeply concerned about the latest developments within the ruling party. 

Here are the facts: In his acceptance speech to the National Assembly, President Kgalema Motlanthe said that Government will remain true to the economic policies that have kept South Africa on the path to sustained growth, and he repeated these same sentiments when he attended the International Investment Council recently. But less than 24 hours later, SACP's Gwede Mantashe, technically repudiated the President's remarks by advocating a shift to the left. 

"As the IFP we have previously said that we hope the current crisis of leadership within the ruling party will not affect the overall government economic policy, and that it will remain unchanged in the face of challenges by the ANC's alliance partners who want a more interventionist, expenditure-driven economic model. It now seems less likely that our economic policies will remain unchanged under the new dispensation," said Mr Hennie Bekker, the IFP's Economic Affairs Spokesperson. 

The alleged shift in the balance of power within the Alliance or a 'Post-Polokwane Communist take-over', as some refer to it, poses a threat to SA's growing economy and young democracy. "The ruling party must once again reassure the public, international observers and investors about who is steering the ANC ship. These reassurances are needed for investor confidence and continued economic growth at a time when we face an international economic crisis."
 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Hennie Bekker
083 255 4520