18th November 2009

Inkatha Freedom Party has reacted angrily to the statement attributed to the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mr. Meshack Hadebe, that he was prevented by an IFP Councillor from building a house he had promised one Magwaza family last year. According to the report in yesterday's Sowetan newspaper, Hadebe pledged Jabulile Magwaza's family in February last year that he would "build a proper house for them since the one they were living in was on the verge of collapse. But a year later life has not changed for the family." On being questioned about his failure to fulfil his promise, Hadebe claimed that he was prevented by the IFP Ward Councillor from building the house. Reacting to Hadebe's accusations, the Leader of the Official Opposition, IFP MPL Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi said: 

"It is more than disgraceful for a leader of Hadebe's calibre to utter blatant lies. As he knows himself, no IFP Ward Councillor ever prevented him from building the Magwaza family house. If he was prevented by the said Councillor and was so concerned with the plight of the family, why did he keep quiet and not raise the matter with IFP leaders in Pietermaritzburg or in the Legislature? And, why has he failed to name that Councillor? 

"The truth of the matter is that, as in many similar cases, Hadebe unscrupulously used the plight of the Magwaza family to project himself and the ANC as political messiahs and thus buy cheap support and votes for his party, since electioneering had already begun by that time. After the elections the Magwaza's - just like many more innocent hoodwinked voters - were forgotten.   

"If Hadebe disputes our version, let him come with the IFP leadership to Mpumuza so that we collectively consult with all who were part of that initiative with a view to unearthing the truth. As the IFP we are ready to go with him to the area and prepared to apologize should his version be true." 
 

For Further Information:

Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi MPL

Leader: KZN Official Opposition                 082 516 0156