The Inkatha Freedom Party’s (IFP) student wing on Wednesday rejected reports of calls for a change in the party’s leadership.
Speaking in Durban, South African Democratic Students Movement (Sadesmo) deputy president Ntuthuko Majozi said it distanced itself from media reports that certain quarters of the IFP Youth Brigade had wanted change in the party’s leadership.
He said the reports quoted the views of two brigade members, who were no longer tertiary students, which were of a personal nature and not those of Sadesmo.
It was also revealed that the two were no longer members of the movement.
‘The party constitution outlines the terms of office of all elected representatives. We were shocked and dismayed to hear such uninformed comments in the public domain,†Majozi said in a statement.
The student wing said it remained optimistic and enthusiastic about change in the IFP, but also understood change could not be achieved by engaging in unconstitutional activities.
”Change cannot be achieved at the expense of the legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and other leaders who have worked tirelessly for the IFP and served it with honesty and dignity,” said Majozi.
An indication of Buthelezi’s waning political influence surfaced last week when he withdrew as a candidate for the chairperson position in the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders.
The leader announced his withdrawal as a fellow Nkosi Bhekisisa Bhengu secured more nominations.
About 24 amakhosi backed Buthelezi, while 28 favoured Bhengu.
Buthelezi’s surprise move came amid reports that members of the youth wing wanted him replaced by a young blood, and were lobbying for his removal at the party’s elective conference scheduled to take place in Ulundi in July. — Sapa