IEC Results Centre, Durban : 25th April 2009

The truth is that the IFP did not receive the number of votes we were all hoping for. This is a fact and we have no wish to hide our disappointment. At this election the people of KwaZulu Natal have decided not to change their government but to give the ANC another chance to change its attitude and start to live up to the trust that has been placed in it. I hope for the sake of the people of this province that the ANC lives up to that trust.

On that note we would like to congratulate the ANC on its success in this election and extend our good wishes to their provincial leadership as they embark on the process of forming a new government.

At the same time, we wish to remind the ruling party that despite our diminished size, we are still a formidable force. The total of 780,000 voters in KwaZulu Natal have placed their trust in us and we will represent their interests with dedication and vigour.

We promise the people of KwaZulu Natal, especially all those who did not vote for the ANC, that we will be their voice in the provincial Legislature. We will see to it that the taxpayers' money is spent as it should be and that the interests of all sections of society are well looked after. We can assure both the people of KwaZulu Natal and the ANC that the new government will not have an easy ride.

Today a new chapter opens for the IFP. We will regroup, rebuild and refocus our efforts. Be in no doubt that we will not cease for one moment in the campaign we have waged in this province since 1975 to create a just, prosperous and moral society for KwaZulu Natal. So you will find us next month, next year and far into the future campaigning day in and day out for the interests of the poorest people in this province, and holding the ANC to account whenever it fails to deliver on their hopes and dreams. That is our pledge to KwaZulu Natal.

I thank you.

Contact:
Mntomuhle Khawula
082 786 9030
or Roman Liptak
083 256 4902