The foundation of mutual respect and trust that constitutes true reconciliation has not yet been laid in South Africa, according to Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
”Past problems have not been addressed and they continue to bedevil our future,” he said during the president’s budget debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
It was difficult to have open, frank debates and to strongly criticise the government, which left the country weaker.
This was one of the most saddening aspects of Thabo Mbeki’s presidency.
Buthelezi, who is also the minister of home affairs, said the IFP and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) had spent much time discussing the nature and purposes of reconciliation.
He praised Mbeki for efforts made in promoting national reconciliation in opting to allow the IFP to participate in the government, even though he was no longer obliged to do so after the 1999 election.
”Our history would have been very different had, as per June 1999, the president not chosen to take heed from the lessons of other African countries and broaden the basis of support of his government to include me and my party,” Buthelezi said.
The IFP holds three full cabinet positions in Mbeki’s government, and the two parties govern KwaZulu-Natal under a co-operation agreement, which has become strained following tensions between the two parties in the province.
On traditional leaders, Buthelezi said the government had not lived up to its promises.
As a member of the government, he was embarrassed to have been indirectly part of promises made before the 2000 municipal election.
This included a promise to amend chapters 7 and 12 of the Constitution to make provision for local government powers of traditional authorities.
”I also regret that our government has not seen its way clear to fulfil the many promises made to traditional leaders.”
The IFP leader suggested not enough was being done in the battle against crime and to lift economic growth.
”We have not made sufficient in roads in fighting the culture of crime, rebellion and lawlessness, which unfortunately, is gaining ground in many of our communities.”
He said the economy was not growing fast enough, too many people remained unemployed, and poverty was rising throughout all marginalised areas.
Buthelezi said Mbeki should receive praise for his role in putting together the blueprint for the future international integration of the continent.
”The formation of the African Union was an important step in that direction, which went hand in hand with the formulation of a blueprint for promotion of the social and economic development of our continent through the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
”Nepad (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) will forever carry the mark of President Mbeki’s initial leadership,” he said. – Sapa