Buthelezi to stand down as IFP leader

IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi has finally thrown in the towel after being at the helm of his party for more than four decades.

Buthelezi, 89, dropped a bombshell in Durban yesterday when he announced that he would not stand for re-election as IFP president at the party’s upcoming national general elective conference.

The IFP leader‚ who has been at the helm of the party since founding it in 1975‚ said the party’s extended national council had agreed to nominate Velenkosini Hlabisa‚ mayor of Hlabisa in northern KwaZulu-Natal‚ to stand for the leadership.

Buthelezi has described Hlabisa as a great leader of integrity who has served the IFP with distinction and had the support of the party’s structures.

He said the proposal that Hlabisa stand for leadership had emanated from across the party.

“The extended national council opened the floor to all our leaders to indicate whether they wish to stand for nomination.

“We did not receive any indication from among our leaders.

“Thus Mr Hlabisa presently stands as our only nominee.”

However‚ he said this did not prevent anyone else from throwing their name into the ring during the IFP conference.

“Our constitution allows that names be received from the floor, even on the day of election.”

Buthelezi said he had made himself available to work alongside Hlabisa, should he be elected to lead the IFP‚ “in whatever way our members see fit‚ for as long as my health allows”.

However‚ it remains to be seen whether the IFP can survive without Buthelezi. – TimesLIVE