01 March 2010

I called this press conference to clear up any misconception or rumours that I am linked in any way to a group calling themselves 'the friends of VZ kaMagwaza-Msibi'.

I want to put on record that I never gave permission for its formation. And that I am not a member of this group.

It is often said that one cannot have too many friends, which I suppose is true. But in the instance where your name is used without your permission to promote behaviour contrary to your very own belief system - I don't call that friendship.

I am very concerned to hear reports and allegations that some of the people belonging to this group have prevented senior elected officials of the IFP from performing their duties. The whole concept of organising 'prayer' meetings and 'marches' on the pretext that I am being persecuted supposedly to provide support to me must cease forthwith. These 'prayer' meetings and 'marches' have already created unnecessary tension and violent conflict amongst members of our Party. This will not be tolerated.

And even more disturbing are reports where people tear t-shirts bearing our President's face. That is totally unacceptable. How dare anyone use my name to insult the President of the IFP!  And then still claim to be a friend of mine. I simply cannot believe that anyone who claims to be my friend will treat our President in such a manner.  This has simply got to stop. RIGHT NOW!  No negotiation required.

The practice of printing t-shirts bearing my face and purporting to support me 100% is totally unacceptable and goes contrary to every culture and tradition of the IFP  and should cease forthwith.

I therefore unequivocally call for the immediate disbandment of this group and will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who uses my name in vain and without my permission.

I call upon these individuals to please stop also wearing t-shirts bearing my face on it, which is contrary to the culture and traditions of the party. This has divided the party from top to bottom and if we allow ourselves to fall into that trap there will only be one loser and that is the IFP.

The IFP is one party. It has one President. And we all need to unite behind the Party and its leader.

I want to re-iterate what I have said before to the media that I will not make myself available for the position of president of the party at the forthcoming Annual General Conference but could consider availing myself for the position of National Chairperson should the Conference so decide.

Now is the time to focus on one goal. And one goal only. And that is winning the 2011 local government elections. We simply cannot do so if we are not united.

The IFP exists to serve the people of South Africa in the spirit of ubuntu.  South Africans across the board are in desperate need of help. Eradicating poverty, crime and creating jobs is the battle which we must fight. And for the sake of the people it is the battle we must win.

So, for the love of our country and party let us all unite behind our leader.

Contact:

IFP National Chairperson

Mrs Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi  082 804 7993