IFP reinforces brand discipline

4 May 2023

I have taken note of malicious attacks on the IFP and its founder and President Emeritus on the basis of an internal memorandum, which I circulated to all our structures today.

While it is not my habit to discuss internal party matters in the public arena, I must provide context to the memorandum, as it is now being grossly misrepresented.

The IFP, like all political parties, is gearing up for 2024 and we have had internal discussions about brand discipline.

Nobody will deny that Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is the IFP’s strongest brand.

It is due to his legacy and commitment to moral and ethical leadership that the IFP continues to grow, from by-election to by-election.

The IFP’s National Council - the Party’s highest decision-making body - has therefore resolved to reaffirm our Party resolution taken in 2019 and 2021, to continue using our founder’s face as our brand.

My correspondence to our structures sought to reinforce this.

It is therefore mischievous to suggest that this is some sort of decision that involves our founder and President Emeritus. He has not been part of our discussions on the matter.

It is quite telling that the fast-disintegrating ANC would now also jump on the bandwagon with their insults.

It must be painful for them not to have a living international statesman and man of integrity to use on their Party branding.

Our brand is our strength, and brand discipline will be key as we embark on what we believe will be our strongest showing, in the 2024 Elections.

I trust this clarifies the lies and misinformation that are being peddled in the public domain currently.

Issued by SL Ngcobo, IFP Secretary-general, 4 May 20234