Velenkosini Hlabisa leader of IFP says the party is committed to peace and stability as we approach the 29 May elections. Image: @IFP_National
‘IFP committed to free and fair elections,’ says Hlabisa ahead of ‘peace talks’ with ANC
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says any suggestion of political violence must be dealt with to ensure a free and fair election.
Velenkosini Hlabisa leader of IFP says the party is committed to peace and stability as we approach the 29 May elections. Image: @IFP_National
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says his party is committed to peace and stability, particularly as the country approaches the 29 May election.
He says that’s why he wrote back to ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had initially called for a ‘peace-keeping’ meeting between the ANC and IFP to put to bed any suggestion of political violence that would disrupt the holding of a free election.
ANC LETTER TO HOLD ‘PEACE TALKS’ WITH IFP
Addressing a media briefing in Durban on Friday, Hlabisa said he received a letter from ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo on Wednesday purporting to seek “peace talks” with the IFP.
“After careful consideration yesterday, 21 March 2024, I dispatched a letter to the President of the ANC, sharing how best we can deal with the KwaCeza incident as he also commented about it in public.,” he said.
“I requested that our parties nominate three members of our respective NECs, and these three aside members will jointly facilitate the engagement of our PECs in KZN to ensure that we deliver the sustainable and desired result. We are now awaiting the response from the ANC President,” Hlabisa said. 2
‘INVESTIGATION OF FACTS VITALLY IMPORTANT,’ SAYS HLABISA
IFP leader said that he had written a letter to Ramaphosa proposing that the ANC and IFP meet to address two incidents at the 110th anniversary of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo’s death in KwaCeza recently.
Hlabisa said he believes that it’s vital that an investigation and get to the facts of what happened that day when a fight broke out between ANC and IFP supporters and 11 people were left injured after being assaulted.
“The IFP is committed to peace and stability, particularly as we approach the 29 May elections. Any suggestion of political violence must be dealt with to ensure that it does not mar the holding of a free and fair election,” he said.
‘TIME OF HEIGHTENED POLITICAL SENSITIVITY,’ SAYS IFP LEADER
Hlabisa said the IFP was ready to engage with the ANC through the suggested process. “We believe it vitally important that an investigation be done into the alleged assault and that the facts be brought to light,” he said.
Hlabisa also said that during this pre-election time, when political sensitivity is heightened, accusations should not be made lightly.
“If we are to protect the integrity of this election and ensure that it is indeed free and fair, a higher level of political maturity is required. The electorate deserves better than mudslinging,” Hlabisa said.
