The IFP has abstained from voting in support of the new KZN Legislature Amendment Standing Rules.
Delivering his Speech in the KZN Legislature during a Debate on KZN Legislature Amendment Standing Rules today, IFP Chief Whip, Hon. Blessed Gwala, MPL, said “As a sign of resentment and to show solidarity with the King and the concerned people of KwaZulu-Natal, the IFP has no choice but to abstain from voting on this Report.”
“Our objection begins with the words: ‘the Monarch may address the Legislature.’ It seems that whenever this Government talks about the monarchy or traditional leadership, it uses the word ‘may’ instead of the word ‘shall’ as is done with other institutions. The use of the word ‘may’ is deliberate, undermining our indigenous structures.
Our second objection is the reference to the Premier taking the salute during the official opening of the Legislature, with total disregard for His Majesty the King taking the salute by the SAPS. Furthermore, the IFP is against the repeal of Rules 25 and 26, both of which relate to the election, role, and functions of the Parliamentary Counsellors to the Monarch. In the National Assembly we have a Parliamentary Counsellor and there is no valid reason to delete it from our Rules merely because the IFP insists that two Parliamentary Counsellors – one from the ruling party and one from the opposition – be present to represent the Legislature when matters of the Legislature are tabled before the Monarch,” continued Hon. Gwala.
“It would be a sad day indeed when the salute is given to a Premier but withheld from His Majesty the King. It is an unnecessary provocation of the Zulu people, which may well lead to revolt. It would be wise for the ruling Party to tread lightly when it treads on such sacred institutions,” added Hon. Gwala.
On a separate matter, in responding to the comments made by the ANC MPL, Hon. Siboniso Duma, during a SCOPA Debate, where he said, “the contents in the Mzala’s book are factual and accurate”, Hon. Gwala said, “Senior ANC leaders agree that the content in Mzala`s book is full of inaccuracies, lies and deception. Who are Honourable Siboniso Duma and Mr Mdumiseni Ntuli to continue to peddle lies and propaganda, aimed at discrediting the Prince of KwaPhindangene, who is the pillar of strength to the monarchy and traditional institutions throughout the African Continent? The lies are shaking the bones of icons such as His Excellency Dr Kenneth Kaunda and His Excellency Oliver Reginald Tambo.”
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Contact:
Mr Blessed Gwala, Mpl
IFP Chief Whip in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842