LAUNCH OF THE IFP 2004 ELECTION CAMPAIGN
OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE
CLOSING REMARKS

 BY
MS SIBUSISIWE NGUBANE
 
Chairperson of the IFP Youth Brigade

Ladies and Gentlemen: 

I would like to thank our Party President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, for unveiling our manifesto and outlining the IFP's vision to govern South Africa.  

You have heard for yourselves that there is clear water between the IFP and the ANC. The IFP has a distinctive approach and different policies, rooted in our principles, with which we would govern South Africa.  

The IFP is the only real alternative to the ANC with the potential to lead a new majority for change. 

I would also like to thank our Chairperson, Dr L.P.H.M Mtshali, for his introductory remarks and Reverend Musa Zondi, our National Spokesperson, for chairing the question and answer session. 

If you have any further questions about our campaign, please do avail yourself of the opportunity to put those questions to Musa after we have finished. 

I would also like to thank-you for coming today. 

In a modern democracy, political parties are dependent, to a great extent, on the mass media to impartially communicate their messages and programmes to the wider general public. The IFP is aware of the burden of responsibility that rests on your shoulders.  

The IFP will be open and accessible to the media during the election campaign. Please do take this opportunity to meet the staff of our Communications Directorate. They will be available at all times to assist you during the campaign with enquiries, requests for interviews and comment from relevant spokespersons. 

My final task is to inform you that the launch of our campaign continues today with the holding of our first rally. SABC - and all other networks - are warmly invited to come and provide live coverage!

The rally at the T.M Shabalala Stadium, which is in Lindelani, near the KwaMashu township, here in Durban. The IFP Party President, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, will make the keynote speech. 

Directions to the venue are available in your press packs. Please do come and join us.