South Africans need trusted leaders, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said on Friday.
”The IFP is tried and tested in governance and our track record is excellent. We are the tried, tested and trusted alternative,” he said during an election campaign event at the University of Pretoria.
Buthelezi told about 200 students and party members that the chance of them getting jobs after competing their studies depended substantially on the economic and labour policies of government.
”Our experience in governance means that we can do more than stand on the sidelines and point out everything government is doing wrong,” he said.
He said the IFP was not a party for Zulus or blacks only.
”We are not exclusive to KwaZulu-Natal. At a national level, the IFP is the third largest party. We have branches and supporters throughout South Africa.”
He said unlike the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance, the IFP did not have the ”financial muscle”.
There was just not enough money in South African politics to sustain a campaign that needed requirements like internet campaigning and SMSs.
Buthelezi warned that South Africa was in a process of electing a dictator in a democratic way.
”If you don’t choose wisely, you will end up with a dictator.”
He said IFP was instrumental in the struggle for liberation. He had refused to negotiate with the National Party government while the likes of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were in detention. — Sapa