IFP: ‘We will bring hope’

South Africa’s largest opposition party, the Inkatha Freedom Party, will launch its national election campaign in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday January 18.

The party draws the bulk of its support from KwaZulu-Natal where it forms the largest component in the provincial government that it shares with the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance. The launch will be held at the TM Shabalala Stadium at Lindelani near KwaMashu, Durban.

Party president Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who serves as Home Affairs Minister in the national government, will unveil the party’s manifesto and outline the party’s vision for South Africa and its programme for development.

The pro-free-enterprise party, which traditionally has backed devolution of power to federal units, is expected to underscore the importance of fast-tracking privatisation of state-owned enterprises while protecting traditional community structures.

Party spokesperson Musa Zondi said in a statement that the IFP is prepared for the poll — expected to be held in March or April this year to elect both national and provincial governments in the nine provinces.

The ANC launched its election campaign in Pietermaritzburg at the weekend, underscoring its support for empowerment of the poor.

Zondi said: “We are ready to take our campaign to the people of South Africa. The people of South Africa are looking for a clear alternative that is prepared to meet the great challenges facing our nation.

“Only the IFP and its leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, can provide a better and credible alternative to the status quo.

“We will bring hope where there is despair and we will fight for the interests of all South Africans.

“The IFP has an excellent case, based upon our record and programme of clear and coherent proposals, to take to the people of South Africa and we will be seeking a mandate to govern.”

Its political partner, the official opposition DA, will launch its campaign on Saturday February 7 at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town although party leader Tony Leon will be holding a campaign briefing with the media on Monday in Johannesburg.

The DA’s candidates will be announced on February 14 at the Durban City Hall and the party’s manifesto will be launched on February 22 in Johannesburg. Party support staff will move from Cape Town to Sandton to assist with the national campaign from February 8, according to spokesperson Martin Slabbert. — I-Net Bridge