Some sections of the media, particularly the SABC, have misquoted the statement, which the President of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi made on Saturday, 28 October 2000 in Vosloorus, at the funeral of the slain IFP local government candidate, Mr Justice Mthimkhulu Radebe.

At that funeral, Dr Buthelezi did not call for the postponement of the elections in the whole of Gauteng. He instead highlighted the fact that in Vosloorus intimidation was rife, to the extent that many of the IFP candidates were now fearful of their lives. It was nearly impossible for them to campaign freely.

In view of this situation Dr Buthelezi then called on the leadership of both the IFP and the ANC to jointly approach the IEC to request the postponement of the elections in Vosloorus, until such time as conditions are suitable for holding a free-and fair-election.

The IFP would ask the media to please stick to the facts when reporting and not to give the public a distorted picture of events or statements. It behoves, everyone, the media included, to be cautious not to do things that may hinder the peace process which so many South Africans have made great sacrifices for.

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