STATEMENT BY PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI, MP
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY

I am lending my voice today to join the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Tony Leon; the leader of the ACDP, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe; and the Leader of the Freedom Front Plus, Dr Pieter Mulder, to express our concern at the withering of liberal constitutional democracy in our country.

The occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution is a time for an objective reflection upon our success in inculcating amongst our people the human rights provisions and guarantees contained within this document.

In order to practise liberty, a nation must have a critical mass of individuals who truly grasp it. Well-constructed institutions and well-crafted texts do not by themselves ensure democracy and freedom. We must strive unceasingly to narrow the divide between intent and the real lives ordinary South Africans lead.

It is relevant to note that today is not, in fact, the 10th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution. The IFP, and other political parties, asked the Constitutional Court to review some of the provisions of the draft Constitution, including the powers of provinces. The Constitution was only certified in October 1996.

I believe a Constitution is as only strong as its weakest link. After a decade of life with it, it is clear that many of the IFP's concerns about inherent weaknesses in the Constitution have come to pass. Of particular concern to me is the relentless concentration of power at the centre. The lack of institutional autonomy is giving rise to autocracy.

This is borne out by the Executive's disdainful approach to the opposition.

One of the founding principles of the Constitution provides for a 'multi-party system of democratic government to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness'. The negotiating process sought to embed in our democracy the principles of political plurality and diversity. I was therefore saddened that representatives of the opposition were not given an opportunity to speak in today's proceedings. I believe that this is an indictment on the state of our democracy.

Finally, let us not lose focus that what we are celebrating today is, for many, merely political intent. We still need to bring about economic freedom that will transform our country into a truly free society based on human dignity in which none of our people are afflicted by HIV/Aids, poverty, crime or despair. A strong and vibrant opposition to 'criticise and control' the government has an indispensable role to play in this endeavour.