5th November 2009

The former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sbusiso Ndebele should be ashamed of himself after the people of Matatiele have yet again resoundingly spoken against their removal from KwaZulu-Natal. This was said by the IFP in the statement the party issued after the announcement of the results of the Matatiele Referendum. According to the reports, more than 70% of the people of Matatiele voted in favour of remaining in KwaZulu-Natal as opposed to the Eastern Cape.

Congratulating the residents of Matatiele after their referendum, Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi, the Leader of Opposition in KwaZulu-Natal said:  "Finally the people of Matatiele have spoken. And they have reiterated the message they had already declared that they want to be part of KwaZulu-Natal.

"In fact, as the IFP, we were not surprised by these results of the referendum because we were pat of the public hearings where the very same people overwhelmingly voiced their determination to remain part of this Province. It is unfortunate however that it has taken spending the tax-payers' money in the form of a referendum for the people to repeat themselves after the ANC-led KwaZulu-Government, under the Premiership of Dr. Sbusiso Ndebele, resolved to ditch them in order to satisfy the ANC's narrow party-political interests.

"The former Premier and his government should in fact be ashamed of themselves and apologize for going against the wishes of the people. And, we hope the ANC will learn to listen this time."

For Further Information:

Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi MPL

Leader: KZN Official Opposition                 082 516 0156