I withdrew from active politics in July 1997 because of health reasons. Not because I was deposed. I suffered from stress related illnesses which forced me to withdraw from active politics. I never resigned as a member of the IFP.

Throughout the seven years of my absence I was privileged to enjoy continued cordial relations with the President of the IFP. That is why I informed him about personal matters such as the fact that I had found the Lord and become a born-again Christian. I also informed him that in May 2001 the Lord had healed me of all my illnesses and that I had even stopped taking any chronic medication.

He was always pleased to hear from me. I respect the IFP leader as my father, leader and brother in Christ. I admire his political achievements and abilities.

I must therefore correct the malicious lies that are told about my leader and myself. First it is not true that I, Ziba Jiyane, could ever even think of competing with my leader. When I first heard about this lie I thought it was too far-fetched to be believed. To my surprise I found that even some sane people seemed to think that I could compete with my mentor and leader who has led our people for more than fifty years! When he started his political career I was not even born. How could I, not even the age of his eldest son, ever be compared to him? I have come to learn from my leader and to make my humble contributions in advancing his legacy.

Secondly, it is a lie that I was deposed by anyone when I withdrew from active politics in July 1997. I particularly reject the misrepresentation appearing in The Sunday Tribune of July, 25 2004. There was never a time when I campaigned and was mobbed by supporters at a local shopping mall in Durban, after which "Buthelezi later told an IFP National Council that there were those who believed they were more popular than me." Like any politician I wish I could be mobbed by supporters of my party every time I campaign. The President of the IFP would applaud that too. It is unfair and hurtful to imply otherwise.

It is even more hurtful to me when people imply that my leader and I are at loggerheads. When I say he is my father I do not say that lightly. My paternal grandmother is a Buthelezi. My late father always spoke of this with pride. I grew up knowing that the IFP leader was my father's cousin. The IFP leader is truly my father, even more so now that my father is late. Nothing can take away that blood relation! I am proud to have a father like the IFP leader. I will always honour and promote his legacy.