Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Wednesday congratulated president-elect Jacob Zuma and called for reconciliation between his party and the African National Congress (ANC).
”On behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party we wish you, Msholozi, every blessing as you fulfil your destiny to lead our country at this time,” Buthelezi said in a statement. The party wished him ”strength and wisdom”.
”We have gone through many trials together, particularly in the part of South Africa from which we both hail … I do hope that we can complete the unfinished task of reconciliation between our two organisations in the interests of our people and South Africa.”
Buthelezi and Zuma both grew up in the heart of rural KwaZulu-Natal and for years have battled politically to secure major strongholds in the province.
During the April 22 elections the ANC took control of many IFP strongholds in the province.
He hoped the time had come for reconciliation in the ”twilight” of his years.
”…We hope that the time may have come to end once and for all the depression of national spirit that has afflicted our country for too long.
”Nothing makes me so sad as to see the depth of the chasm that still divides us, even in the very twilight of my years.” Buthelezi said he and Zuma had a lot in common.
”The president has, like me, lived among the poor all his life and we both recognise that the biggest challenge we face is the banishment of the poverty of our people in rural area … and among all South Africans of all races,” he said.
Their greatest task was to ensure people found work. He called for collective courage, sacrifice and devotion. ”We hope that this is the time for the country to unite around a common purpose.” — Sapa