Buthelezi nominates next IFP leader

IFP leader Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi announced yesterday that he will step down from the party’s leadership at its next elective conference expected to be held in December.

The 88 year old has led the party since its inception in 1975. He made the announcement at the IFP’s extended national council meeting in Durban.

“The extended national council has agreed that we are nominating Velenkosi Hlabisa, to stand for the leadership of the IFP at the upcoming national elective conference,” he said.

At the IFP’s last elective conference in December 2012, the party amended its constitution to create a position of deputy president as part of its succession plan. Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi was elected unopposed as the IFP’s second-in-line to succeed Buthelezi.

Asked about succession plan, Buthelezi said the party had decided that “we need a more experienced leader, he (Inkosi Mzamo) remains our deputy”.

Hlabisa said he accepted the nomination to replace Buthelezi. “I accept trusting that I will be able to propel the party and our nation forward,” he said.

Political analysts were divided on future prospects of the IFP under a new leader. Bheki Mngomezulu said it was better that a new leader takes over while Buthelezi is still alive because he can tap into the elderly statesman’s experience.

However, Professor Mcebisi Ndletyana said the latest development could mark the beginning of the end for the IFP as the party was modelled around Buthelezi.

“For most of the followers their following of Inkatha was really an obedience to the chief. So if the new leader does not share the same profile as Buthelezi it is quite unlikely that he will sustain the support,” Ndletyana said.

Professor Somadoda Fikeni said: “The IFP has come to be associated with Buthelezi because he had the charisma and the history. At the same time the ANC divisions give an opportunity for parties like the IFP to recover.”