28 March 2009

The ANC's call for exemplary punishment of citizens who oppose the ruling party's abuse of government functions for blatant electioneering is nothing less than an attack on the essence of multi-party democracy, argues the IFP. 

MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Mtholephi Mthimkhulu, who is chiefly responsible for the ruling party's use of government functions as campaigning tools, yesterday commended the SAPS for acting against three individuals who allegedly disrupted his department's function at Sahlumbe, Weenen on Tuesday. 

"These individuals did not act at the instigation of the IFP leadership as Mthimkhulu suggests. On the contrary, the IFP leadership - and particularly its President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi - have repeatedly appealed to its supporters for political tolerance in the face of the ANC's endless provocations," said IFP National Organiser Albert Mncwango. 

"Mthimkhulu is calling for heavy penalties for anybody who thinks government activities should be used as a battleground for settling political scores. How about heavy penalties for those who abuse government activities for party political purposes?" - said Mncwango.  

The IFP has consistently decried the ANC's use of not only government functions but organs of the state such as the SAPS against the people of KwaZulu Natal whose only sin is their disgust with the extent of corruption and mismanagement within the ANC provincial government.  

"The recent deployment of extra police personnel to Nongoma to victimise IFP leaders and supporters and destabilise the IFP's election campaign is a case in point," said Mncwango.  
 

Contact:
Albert Mncwango
083 448 4896