Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi has proposed to Parliament that there should be a separation of powers between the head of the government and the head of state in the country, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Saturday.
Speaking at the party’s provincial congress in Umzimkulu, Buthelezi said he had proposed that the Constitution be amended so that there is a state president to take care of international and ceremonial matters.
A prime minister should take care of the day-to-day running of the country.
Buthelezi further expressed concern over incidents that tarnished the image of President Thabo Mbeki due to political issues in South Africa.
He cited an incident in which Mbeki was heckled by a crowd in KwaZulu-Natal, saying incidents such as these did not just show disrespect for the president of the country, but also painted a bad picture about South Africa to the world.
The IFP leader earlier lashed out at party leaders and members for what he called an uncaring attitude that had led the IFP to lose a number of municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal.
He said it was unacceptable for the party’s branches to be dormant and become active only before election, and questioned the IFP’s readiness for its national congress later this year and the general elections in 2009.
He appealed to party leaders and members to recruit more members ahead of the 2009 election. — Sapa