5 August 2010

The IFP-aligned South African Democratic Students' Movement (SADESMO) would like to express its concern after a newspaper published a damaging letter on the 23rd July 2010 from a certain Zamokwakhe Mngomezulu purporting to be a member of the National Executive Committee of SADESMO.

"We would like to state categorically that Mngomezulu is not a SADESMO member and that the letter in question is bogus. The fact that a newspaper could be so negligent is extremely concerning to us. Moreover this bogus NEC member hurled direct insults at the IFP President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. We would therefore as SADESMO like to distance ourselves from all that was contained in that letter and further renew our commitment to supporting Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as IFP President now, and well into the future," said Mkhuleko Hlengwa SADESMO National Spokesperson.

As a means of corrective action, the Secretary-General of SADESMO, Xolani Ngwezi, has since communicated with the newspaper in question.

"In an effort to ensure that this gross opportunism is avoided in the future the names of all members will be republished. We need to curb such thuggery from happening again. There is still one SADESMO structure in place; if there is a change the media will be informed accordingly. We are hopeful that the media houses will be extra vigilant in future. It is this type of negligence that can lead to Independent Media Tribunals and other laws being enacted."

The SADESMO NEC was elected on 24 October 2009 at UKZN Edgewood Campus, and the names were duly published on 26 October 2009, and further presented to the media at a press briefing on 27 October 2009. The members of the NEC are as follows:

President: Ntuthuko Majozi

Deputy President: Lungisani Mbatha

Secretary General: Xolani Ngwezi

Treasurer: Khetha Mzimela

Recording Secretary: Zanele Mendela

Media & Publicity: Mkhuleko Hlengwa (National Spokesperson)

Political Education Officer: Siyabonga Ngidi

Projects & Activities Co-ordinator: Landiwe Sithole

Academic Development Officer: Brian Masondo

National Junior Member: Sbongiseni Dhlomo

In conclusion Hlengwa said: "We hope this reminder will help avoid future mishaps. We cannot allow the name of SADESMO to be used recklessly."

Contact: Mkhuleko "Leko" Hlengwa, National Spokesperson: SADESMO, on 083 871 2711.