“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that get trampled”. This idiomatic expression is more relevant than ever now, as KwaZulu-Natal and parts of South Africa are experiencing the violent actions of disgruntled supporters of former President Jacob Zuma.
The IFP has noted with concern the ongoing anarchy in the province and the deafening silence of ANC leadership in the province, especially Premier Sihle Zikalala.
While we strongly condemn the acts of violence and brutality directed to road users, as well as the torching of infrastructure, we also sympathise with KwaZulu-Natal citizens across the political spectrum, who find themselves entangled in the factional battles of the ANC.
It is sad and unfortunate that the ongoing protests have been reduced to ethnic lines. We warn ANC to desist from playing the ethnicity card in a situation that has flared up due to its internal divisions.
We are not surprised by Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula’s utterances, denying the intensity of the anarchy in the province when Elder Statesman, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, was pleading for the deployment of the army. It was easy for her to nonchalantly make this statement, as she is not directly affected and sits safely in her living room, comfortably watching all the destruction on her television.
We are further concerned about the economic downturn that will be the resultant consequence of the torching of freight, road blockades and the looting of local shopping centres and malls, which provide employment to many of our people, who are often the sole breadwinners. This ongoing violence also hampers the Covid-19 vaccination process and the work of the emergency services.
We call upon ANC leadership in the province to lead responsibly by resolving their internal squabbles before more people lose their jobs – and lives.
Their silence is fuelling anger, lawlessness, and uncertainty in the province.
We call upon people to exercise calm, and to reject the bulk threatening messages making the rounds on all social networks, inciting violent and criminal activities in the province.
The IFP encourages KwaZulu-Natal’s people to abide by Level 4 Lockdown regulations and to rather voice their dissatisfaction through the ballot paper in the much-anticipated elections, rather than destroying businesses, which are the heart of communities’ livelihoods.
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Contact:
Mr Blessed Gwala
IFP Spokesperson for Safety and Community Liaison
078 290 5842