The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the life of former President Nelson Mandela on what would have been his 104th birthday.
This year, the Mandela Day theme is “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. This resonates deeply with the IFP, and our foundational principles of self-help and self-reliance. The theme also speaks to the IFP’s values of solidarity, freedom, and unity in diversity. This Mandela Day – and every day – let us work together as South Africans to improve the lives of our fellow citizens and uplift communities in need. For those of us carrying the mantle of leadership, let us always remember Tata Madiba, like IFP Founder and President Emeritus, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, also espoused the principle of servant leadership, and always put the people first.
We are saddened that as yet another Mandela Day is celebrated, under the ruling party, millions of our fellow South Africans face a daily struggle for survival, are unemployed, and often without the certainty of regular meals. Our concerns are echoed by the Mandela Foundation to such an extent that the Foundation “is calling on the public to use Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 to find and pursue sustainable solutions to the climate crisis and food security”.
As the IFP, we view this Mandela Day call to action as an opportunity to renew our ongoing commitment to pursuing food security and green energy solutions in all the municipalities where we govern. Further, we will continue to engage with and monitor the Climate Change Bill as it moves through the various parliamentary processes, as well as provide inputs and comments.
The IFP will make full use of all the resources at our disposal in the pursuit of a just, prosperous and moral society, whose citizens engage with each other on the basis of ubuntu/botho. We will continue to do what we can, with what we have, where we are: every day and not just once a year.
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Contact:
Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539