IFP CONDEMNS ATTACK ON ITS LEADER IN PARLIAMENT

April 25, 2006

The IFP notes with horror the vicious and unwarranted attack at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Parliament by Chair of Chairs, Dr Meshack Radebe, on the leader of the IFP in the House, Dr Lionel Mtshali.

The attack was unrelated to parliamentary business. It was a personal invective. Dr Radebe went on to suggest that Dr Mtshali should resign as Chair of the Safety and Security portfolio committee. If he does not, the ruling party, Dr Radebe threatened, would "push him". The verbal attack was further supported by Mr ZJ Mchunu.

Dr Mtshali subsequently demanded protection in terms of the parliamentary rules. This was denied by the presiding official, Mr Vilane.

"The IFP wishes to remind the ruling party that we operate in a democratic dispensation with regular elections. We also wish to dispel the ruling party's notion that they will rule until the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is a fallacy," said IFP provincial spokesperson, Sibusiso Ngidi MPP.

Contact: Sibusiso Ngidi,
082 966 7745