Prince Tutu Buthelezi, son of Inkatha Freedom Party president Mangosuthu Buthelezi, spoke to the Mail & Guardianabout his relationship with his father, the state of the IFP and his new party, Ziba Jiyane’s National Democratic Convention (Nadeco). The IFP shed five national MPs and two members of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature to Nadeco in floor-crossing this week.
The IFP is often portrayed as a dying political force driven by self-serving, power-hungry leaders. Do you agree?
After being an IFP member my whole life, I formed the Ulundi Ratepayers Association in 2000 to expose corruption among IFP councillors. For example, at the time, several IFP councillors owed the municipality over R140 000 for services.
When I tried to raise these concerns I was accused of attacking the party and attacking my father. I was confused because I thought I was helping the IFP’s constituency. The message I received from the party was to keep quiet — comradeship was more important than corruption.
What, in your view, does your father stand for?
It’s very hard for me to tell you. He is a powerful man with many followers.
I don’t want to go into detail because I am no longer an IFP member and also because people are being intimidated — even I’m not 100% safe. I have heard that since joining Nadeco I must be “hit”.
Why did you join Nadeco?
For various reasons, including the fact that there was too much lying [by the IFP’s leadership] to the membership of the IFP. I am 55 now and old enough to take my own direction.
Have you spoken to your father since you took your decision?
No, I wrote him a letter explaining that I was fed up with the gossiping and infighting in the IFP. I explained that I was tired with the false statements the party made about [service delivery to its members].
How is your relationship with your father?
Even though we live close by, it’s like me being in KwaZulu-Natal and you sitting in Johannesburg — I don’t visit him.
Will Nadeco survive?
People are phoning me from many different places in the province wanting to join Nadeco. I’m sure we’ll get six to 10 IFP councillors from Ulundi alone. We believe that at least seven more members of Parliament will cross the floor to join us.
Who is funding Nadeco?
Several business people from Durban and Richards Bay have given us money because they believe that Nadeco must go forward. I can’t disclose their names or how much money they have given us.