IFP Head Office: 5 May 2009

It is now history that the National Executive Committee has appointed me to take over the leadership of Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature.  It is a role I accept with a deep sense of humility, gratitude and determination to serve both my Party and the people of this province effectively and with integrity.  It is humbling to be asked to lead the Party in the Legislature, but even more humbling to have the anticipated support of your caucus colleagues.  I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Honourable President who has shown confidence in me despite my youthfulness.

The post election period has been very difficult for the PEC and the Party at large.  The downturn of our political fortunes is indeed a challenge – but I believe it is also an opportunity.  As part of the process of diagnosing our political misfortunes PEC is rolling out a remedial programme that is aimed at conducting a post-election autopsy and it includes district visits. 

Let me place on record my sincere and deepest appreciation for the tremendous work done by my predecessor, the Hon. Dr LPHM Mtshali during the last three years of the last term.  I value the work he has done upon which we can further build now.  I have been privileged to work with Dr Mtshali and know first hand his dedication and loyalty to the Party.  I have learned much from working with him and I thank him for his sage counsel and willingness to share his vast experience and knowledge with us. 

I welcome the new colleagues on the daunting journey that we have begun together, and I thank you in advance for your courageous support in the House.  I look forward to working with you as we continue to support one another in realizing the mandate we have been given by the Party – and that is, to become the governing Party in 2014. 

This caucus and I as Leader of Official Opposition are ready to roll up our sleeves and pursue the mandate given by the voters over the next five years.  When government gets something right, we will give it credit where credit is due.  We also take note that the new government is under enormous pressure to deliver on campaign promises.  Our commitment remains the same: we want to provide a solid opposition to government – that presents alternative policies that will resonate with people of KwaZulu-Natal.  We have a unified and strong team of eighteen colleagues and we intend to make every effort to defeat the new government in the next election.  We will begin this process from inside and outside the Legislature.  David Cameron (Leader of the Conservative Party and Her Majesty’s Official Opposition in the UK) noted that, “Those who hold an opposition post tend of course to have one thing in common: they don’t want to hold it for much longer.” 

I stand ready to start with the real challenge of serving our Party and province and I pledge to serve both to the best of my abilities.  I thank you again for your support and the high honour the NEC and His Excellency the President has accorded me today. 

I thank you colleagues!