Today, across South Africa, citizens are taking a stand against the further decline of our country under the leadership of President Zuma. It comes as no surprise that tensions are running high, for there is much at stake.
On Monday the President of the IFP, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, cautioned against provocative and emotional statements that could result in violence. Speaking after a meeting of opposition parties, he called for peaceful action aimed at bringing change without violence.
The IFP is therefore disgusted by the irresponsible statements by the ANC Youth League in Gauteng who boasted to the media this morning that the IFP had “learned the hard way” when it supposedly marched on Shell House (now Luthuli House).
IFP Secretary General, Mrs Sibongile Nkomo, would like to educate the ANC Youth League on the events of 1994 and their significance today.
Nkomo explains, “Prince Buthelezi cautioned against marching to Luthuli House today because it would have been seen by the ANC as an act of provocation. The fact that 600 MK military veterans have descended on Luthuli House to ‘defend’ it proves the wisdom of Prince Buthelezi’s warning.”
She continued, “Prince Buthelezi reminded us of what happened in 1994 when supporters of the Zulu King moved past Shell House during a peaceful demonstration. President Mandela himself ordered Shell House security to shoot, and lives were lost.”
“But,” Nkomo added, “that was not an IFP march, and it wasn’t a march on Shell House. The ANC Youth League should check their facts before making inflammatory statements. Better yet, they should steer clear of any statement that will increase tensions at this volatile time. South Africa needs peaceful change, not threats and foolish bravado.”
CONTACT:
Mrs Sibongile Nkomo MP
IFP Secretary General
076 553 1240