Let the IFP itself decide on its leader

MUCH has been written about “Shenge far from clinging to power”. I make my contribution.

While I have no problem with public comments, one should exercise restraint and be mindful not to cast aspersions on one of the most remarkable elder statesmen in Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Buthelezi is not holding on to power. Your correspondent Fisokuhle Irene Vilakazi outlined very clearly that the question of the election of leaders could only be addressed at a national conference of the IFP. As a disciplined party, the IFP will not hold a conference until it has been established that there are genuine branches. Too many cunning individuals create bogus branches.

No one can fault Buthelezi’s leadership: the IFP is still functioning superbly, his mind is still very fertile, and he attends functions of all communities where some of the leaders of other parties are conspicuous by their absence. If there are problems within the party he intervenes and finds solutions, with the assistance of other leaders. Hence the IFP under his leadership is the only party to operate without any major upheaval.

I don’t think any IFP member is asking him to step down. These are tactics of those opposed to progress. Some betrayed the party because they wanted power for themselves and formed their own. Others would want to use their charm to ingratiate themselves. Good luck to them!

However, it is my opinion that Dr Buthelezi should continue to lead the party unhindered. Please allow the IFP as a party to decide if it wants a change in the leadership.