IFP Deputy National Chairperson, Mr Velaphi Ndlovu, today responded to reports of the defection of Cllrs DS Rajah and C Lazarus to the ANC.

Mr Ndlovu stated, "It is indeed sad that opportunistic politicians have a change of political heart when they are not satisfied with their position on a proportional representation list. But then again we find it amusing that our political opponents try to gain media mileage by acquiring our deadwood."

"Dr Rajah, who was originally nominated to number 96 on our party's proportional representation list, requested leadership intervention and after negotiations was placed at number 44. This apparently did not satisfy him, although it was made clear to him that he was not active at grassroots level and not known to the structures. Ms Lazarus perhaps also did not consider her nomination at number 64 on our proportional list for Ethekwini satisfactory," Mr Ndlovu stated.

"We congratulate the ANC for taking our deadwood as we are looking forward to running Ethekwini and we do not need those who are not committed to our cause. We must also remind our political opponents that too much deadwood can sink a ship," Mr Ndlovu concluded.