National Assembly: 2nd July 2009

Mr Speaker,

The IFP has noted with grave concern that a recent government function has once again led to the blurring of the boundary between the state and the ruling party.

The Youth Day event hosted by government on the East Rand on the 16th of June is case in point.

By only inviting the ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema to speak at the youth day celebration, which was also addressed by state President Mr Jacob Zuma, the ANC has once again misused taxpayers' money to promote the political agenda of the ruling party, instead of using the platform to promote a NATIONAL youth agenda.

The IFP believes that the blurring of the boundary between the state and the ruling party is not only unacceptable but is increasingly threatening our young democracy. Our constitution is very clear about the duties and responsibilities of the national executive and the IFP believes that this House needs the assurance that we will not have a situation again where the ANC is allowed to abuse its power.

Mr Speaker, each of us in this chamber today has a duty to uphold not only the interest of our different political parties represented here but also the tenets of our democracy and the interest of our country that we have been elected to serve. We must demand of our government, our President and our cabinet do act in a non partisan manner all the time so as to build a united country and nation.  If not, our democracy will be under serious threat.

I thank you.