IFP’s Buthelezi leaves very big shoes to fill

There are many questions to be asked of his successor, writes

Thebe Mokokeng.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi spent years grooming a contingent of young leaders in the IFP. This has been a task he took a lifetime in politics to achieve. He did not take shortcuts in this assignment.

Those claiming to be ready to take over the IFP are one step closer to getting an opportunity to prove their mettle.

The biggest questions to ask are these: Are they ready to lead? Have they learnt enough from him? Are they willing to emulate his track record that has no evidence of corruption or maladministration? Will they walk the extra mile in listening the poorest of the poor? Will they respect the masses within and outside the IFP ranks? Will they oppose with respect, without being arrogant?

Will they have vision to lead this party and country? Will they be pragmatists who face things as they are? Do they have a programme of action in developing people on the ground? Will they have the interest of the people at heart?

Many within the IFP ranks have been calling for a long time for Shenge to step down but the question is: Are they ready or just think that it is easy to lead such a party? Do they think it is for him to respond to countless letters throughout the night? Will they sacrifice family life in building firm bridges of acceptance and understanding for future generations?

Buthelezi leaves very big shoes to fill.