IFP rejects ANC’s call for a truce in KZN
The IFP has rejected an appeal from President Cyril Ramaphosa for a meeting to settle their differences in KZN ahead of the elections.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has reportedly turned down President Cyril Ramaphosa’s request for a meeting between the IFP and the ANC to resolve their differences before the 29 May elections.
This follows a clash between the two parties in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) on Saturday, when government-sponsored event to honour the late Zulu king Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, turned ugly resulting in 11 people being assaulted.
‘WE DON’T WANT BLOODSHED IN KZN OR ANY PROVINCE’
Ramaphosa said they did not want any bloodshed in KZN or any other province; he said the ANC would have to meet with the IFP to ensure political stability in the province.
However, according to Independent Online, the IFP rejected the call on Monday, saying it didn’t want such a meeting because the party was not involved in any violence.
“We have noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa has said in the media that a meeting between the IFP and ANC will take place; a glaring and irresponsible indictment towards the IFP suggesting we must meet because the IFP is involved,” said Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the national spokesperson for the IFP.
IFP NOT INVOLVED IN ANY VIOLENCE, SAYS HLENGWA
He said: “As far we are concerned, such a meeting is unnecessary, as the IFP is not involved in any acts of violence.”
Hlengwa said that if such a meeting were to take place, the ANC would first have to explain the nature of the meeting, which was held on 2 March, when plans were made to disrupt IFP campaign activities.
He said the provincial MEC for Economic Development, Siboniso Duma, must apologise to the Zulu monarch and the Zulu nation for his conduct after Duma publicly clashed with Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu nation.
POLICE INVESTIGATING CASE OF ASSAULT AND GBH – SAYS NAICKER
“Siboniso Duma owes His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, AmaKhosi, and the AmaZulu Nation an apology for his utterly disgraceful and uncultured behaviour,” Hlengwa said.
Ramaphosa said the police were going to investigate the attack on supporters of the ANC. The ruling party’s Women’s League accused the IFP of attacking its members after the event on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said the police were investigating a case of assault and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
11 VICTIMS ASSAULTED AND ONE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL
“On 16 March 2024, at 3.30 pm while at Ceza sports field, the 11 victims were assaulted with sticks by unknown suspects,” said Naicker. He said all the victims sustained injuries to the head.
“Ten of them were treated as outpatients, and one was admitted to hospital due to the nature of the injuries. The victims are from various parts of Zululand,” added Naicker.