National Assembly: 6 May 2009

On behalf of the IFP, I wish to add my and my Party's felicitations to the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr Zuma. We wish the President strength and wisdom which can only come from our Almighty Father.

We have gone through many trials together, particularly in the part of South Africa from which we both hail. After our discussions earlier this year and also yesterday, as well as my chat with the Deputy President of the ANC, His Excellency Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, I do hope that we can complete the unfinished task of reconciliation between our two organisations in the interests of our people and South Africa.

With the President's track record of peace-making in Africa, we hope that the time may have come to end once and for all the depression of national spirit that has afflicted our country for too long. Nothing makes me so sad as to see the depth of the chasm that still divides us, even in the very twilight of my years.

The President has, like me, lived amongst the poor all his life and we both recognise that the biggest challenge we face is the banishment of the poverty of our people in rural areas, as well as in the squatter areas and in urban townships, and amongst all South Africans of all races. Our greatest primary task is therefore to put people to work.

I realise that this task cannot be accomplished without sacrifices and changes in our mindset because of the conflicts of the past. We hope that this is the time for the country to unite around a common purpose, if this nation is to fulfil its destiny. This will demand courage, sacrifices and devotion from all of us, collectively.

On behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party we wish you, Msholozi, every blessing as you fulfil your destiny to lead our country at this time.

Contact: Liezl van der Merwe, 083 611 7470.