Buthelezi leaves big shoes to fill

INKOSI Mangosuthu Buthelezi spent years grooming a contingent of young leaders in the IFP. This has been a lifetime task.

He did not take short cuts. For those who claim to be ready to take the IFP one step further, the time is gradually approaching for them to prove their mettle.

The biggest questions to ask are: are they ready to lead? Have they learnt enough from him? Are they willing to emulate his track record that has no corruption and maladministration? Will they walk an extra mile in listening to the poorest of the poor?

Will they respect the masses within and outside the IFP ranks? Will they play the ball instead of playing the man? Will they oppose with respect without being arrogant?

Will they have the vision to lead this party and the 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 people at heart?

Many within the IFP ranks have been calling for Shenge to step down, but the question is: are they ready or do they just think that it is easy to lead such a party?

Will they sacrifice family life to build firm bridges of acceptance and understanding for future generations?

Prince Buthelezi will leave very big shoes to fill! Durban