New Year’s Message From Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP

New Year’s Message From Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP

"New Year’s eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights."

I appreciate this profound observation made by Hamilton Wright Mabie, an American essayist, more than a century ago. I like the way he thought, for Mabie also wrote:

"Don’t be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not with the wind."

2010 has been a year of flying against the wind for me and the IFP. We have flown against the winds of criticism, insult and challenge, both from within and outside our Party. But I have no doubt that, having braved the tempest, we will rise in the new year, a stronger, more unified party.

In its 35 year history, I have seen the IFP weather many storms and emerge renewed. Renewal has less to do with changing the furniture, than changing the atmosphere in a house. For a while now the IFP has lived in an atmosphere of tension and division. But the passage of time and our collective wisdom is moving us towards a resolution.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I recommit myself to serving our nation with the same diligence and wholeheartedness that has accompanied my long foray into politics. I do not feel my age disqualifies me. On the contrary, my experience gives me something greater to offer South Africa; humility, honesty and perseverance.

May God be with us as we continue our struggle for liberation, and may we each play our role with courage. For even if we have to fly against the wind, we must do so for the sake of democracy. May 2011 be a year of new heights.