28 March 2009

The ANC, fronted by cultural organisation Sakhisizwe, has double-booked the Jozini Sports Ground as a campaign venue for the ruling party in order to disrupt the IFP's long-standing campaign event scheduled for 10h00 today, claims the IFP.

"We secured the venue weeks ago through Jozini Mayor kaMadlopha-Mthethwa and we have documentation to prove it," said IFP KwaZulu Natal provincial secretary Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi.

The IFP is aware that an instruction was issued from the SAPS provincial headquarters to the police to gatecrash the venue ahead of the IFP event and facilitate the erection of a marquee for Sakhisizwe.

The IFP made several attempts last night to resolve the situation that could lead to potential conflict with the ANC provincial leadership.

"ANC provincial secretary Senzo Mchunu has failed to present booking confirmation of the venue or to deal with the double-booking in any constructive manner," said Dr Buthelezi.

The IFP subsequently turned to the IEC's provincial electoral officer Mawethu Mosery with an urgent request for mediation. "To their credit, the IEC have agreed to deploy a three-member delegation to oversee the two concurrent election events in Jozini today," said Dr Buthelezi.

The IFP wishes to expose the ANC as a political party intent on disrupting its opponents' election events all over KwaZulu Natal. "For all its cries for political tolerance, the ANC is unwilling to live up to its commitments and abide by the rules it previously agreed to with the IFP to prevent potential conflict situations," said Dr Buthelezi. 

Contact:
Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi,         082 516 0156