By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) says it will not be drawn into the African National Congress (ANC) sanctioned violence, saying a narrative of violence and instability has been churned out by various quarters of the ruling party.
This follows a call for a meeting by President Cyril Ramaphosa after the weekend clashes.
Ramaphosa has appealed to political parties to be tolerant and respectful as the country counts down to the May general elections.
“We will not tolerate anybody who will want to perpetrate violence for instances over the outcome of the elections does not favour them. We will take action. The security forces in our country are going to be acting against anyone who will be taking action against our democratic system.”
But the IFP said on Monday it did not want such a meeting because it was not involved in any violence.
“We have noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa has said in the media that a meeting between the IFP and ANC will take place; a glaring and irresponsible indictment towards the IFP suggesting we must meet because the IFP is involved. As far we are concerned such meeting is not necessary, as the IFP is not involved in any acts of violence.
“If such a meeting were to take place, the ANC would first have to explain the nature of the meeting it held on March 2, 2024 wherein plans were hatched to disrupt IFP campaign activities, “said IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
“This comes as no surprise as it is a well-orchestrated strategy by the ANC to counter the resurgence of the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the 29 May 2024 National and Provincial Elections, added Hlengwa”
“This is a familiar tactic of the ANC when it becomes unsettled or rattled. The ANC is the common denominator, and instigator, in all instances of political violence both pre and post 1994 because deeply embedded in its DNA, the ANC thrives and mobilises on the basis of violence.”
He also said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development Siboniso Duma must apologise to the Zulu monarch and the Zulu nation for his conduct.
Duma publicly clashed with traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu nation and monarch, Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
Buthelezi is also the district mayor of Zululand and was appointed to his current position by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini recently.
“Siboniso Duma owes His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, AmaKhosi and the AmaZulu Nation an apology for his utterly disgraceful and uncultured behaviour,” said Hlengwa.