21 July 2010

The IFP Youth Brigade has taken note of comments made by the ANCYL in KwaZulu Natal, branding the IFP leader a "dictator", which proves that they are not only politically ill-advised, obtuse and uninformed but that they do not understand the basics of politics. 

"A dictator by nature is someone who does not want to relinquish power, which is not the case with Prince Buthelezi. It is nonsensical to say that Prince Buthelezi has deliberately postponed the conference because he fears that he might be voted out, when he has not yet indicated whether he will again stand for the position of IFP President. In addition, the IFP President has on two previous occasions indicated his intention to retire but was asked to lead by the rank and file of the party. He serves at the behest and for the benefit of the IFP and not because he does not want to relinquish power," said Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi MP, the IFP's Youth Brigade Chairperson. 

She added: "The decision to postpone the IFP's conference was a unanimous decision taken by the National Council of the IFP, and not a decision by Prince Buthelezi, as the ANCYL alleges." 

Lebenya-Ntanzi said that the ANCYL was known for their attacks on Buthelezi which raises serious questions about whether they are a mature political organisation or a group of thugs who, instead of raising pertinent political issues, are content with attacking prominent personalities. 

"The IFPYB could have made fun of the ANC President when he was ridiculed by the media for his extra marital affairs and many other political blunders, but we refrained from doing so because it would not have contributed to the political issues of the day. To this day, we have not commented on the severe split within the ANCYL which has led to the expulsion of Mr Masoga, because as a party we do not rejoice in other political organisations' woes. We know that stable political parties are needed for a stable democracy," said Lebenya-Ntanzi. 

She added: "Expelling a youth leader for not backing the ANCYL president Julius Malema is a wonderful example of how the ANCYL operates on non-democratic principles, so maybe it would be wise for the ANCYL to get their own house in order before they preach to the IFP."

Lebenya-Ntanzi said that the allegation that the IFP was "not a democratic organisation but a traditional cultural movement" was grossly inaccurate. 

"The IFP has always been a party guided by the principles of democracy and we remain resolutely committed to these principles. It was precisely because of our commitment to democracy that the IFP decided to delay its conference until such time when the atmosphere in the party has normalised, so that a true will of the people can be expressed through a democratic election. Furthermore, the assertion that we are a cultural organisation is absurd: a quick glance at our public representatives proves that we are the most representative of South Africa's population out of all the political parties," said Lebenya-Ntanzi. 

Lastly, Lebenya-Ntanzi said that the call for the IFP to join the ANC was laughable, to say the least. 

"While the ANCYL falsely accuse the IFP of being a non-democratic organisation the very call of the ANCYL to the IFP to join their ranks proves that they are not committed to South Africa's democracy. In their quest to make South Africa a one-party state they want to see all opposition parties fail. It is therefore the mission of the young leaders of the IFP, in the interest of the people of South Africa and our multi-party democracy, to ensure that the IFP not only survives, but prospers and grows," concluded Lebenya-Ntanzi.