IFP MEDIA OFFICE : MARCH 25, 1999  

The IFP is outraged by the blatantly racist editorial titled The nation is under siege from foreigners, appearing in the Ilanga newspaper of 22-24 March. The IFP unequivocally distances itself from the sentiments expressed in this editorial and feels that it does not represent the views of the publisher. The publisher of Ilanga is a company wholly owned by the IFP. We have therefore called upon the management of the newspaper to investigate the matter, with a view to taking drastic disciplinary action.

This editorial is highly embarrassing to the IFP and we regard it as nothing short of internal sabotage. The IFP abhors racism of any type. Our leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, sought co-operation with, and the assistance of, Whites, Indians and Coloureds and when doing so violated both the laws of apartheid and even the political conventions of the segments of the liberation movement which espoused the armed struggle. He brought all of us together irrespective of racial divides and connotations when he formed the Black Alliance, the Buthelezi Commission and the KwaZulu Natal Indaba. Since then, the IFP has had a large constituency among the Indian people which it deeply respects. It is no coincidence that the proportion of Indians in the IFP parliamentary delegation is several times higher than that of any other party in the national Parliament.

We are concerned that whoever was responsible for the writing of this editorial is playing with fire and is fanning the flames of anti-Indian feelings among Africans. In a province such as KwaZulu Natal which has been engulfed in violence for a very long time, any such reckless ideas or careless and racist words may have the power to spark further violence and conflict.

The IFP is firmly convinced that the editorial does not reflect the views of ordinary Africans. Indeed, in our day-to-day existence Africans interface and mingle with people of Indian descent freely and with mutual benefit and respect. This editorial is setting the whole of South Africa back on its difficult path of reconciliation. The IFP calls on the Indian, White and Coloured communities to join hands with our Black brothers and sisters so that through our joint efforts, unity and political solidarity, we can show that this horrible editorial was nothing more than the ranting and raving of somebody who has lost his mind. Let us prove that through our political unity we share common goals and let us isolate anyone seeking to play the political card of hatred and racial segregation. The IFP has always been and will continue to remain the political home to which Indians, Whites, Coloureds and Africans must belong in order to isolate the type of lunacy which inspired this ill-conceived editorial.

Rev K.M. Zondi can be reached on 083 440 5966 for further comment.