ANC condemns attack on ANC members and encouraged by reports of peace talks between ANC and IFP KZN

17 March 2024

The African National Congress salutes the King of the Zulu Nation, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, for allowing the nation to celebrate the remarkable life of King Dinuzulu.

As the ANC we acknowledge King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as a symbol of unity of the nation. Bayede Ndlulamithi.

We note the excellent coordination of this historic event by all spheres of government working with the Zulu Royal family.

The wreath-laying ceremony at Emakhosini, attended by the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa, reminded the nation of the importance of this memorial site. The site was constructed to preserve and restore the history of the Zulu Kings.

Importantly, the 110th commemoration of King Dinuzulu helped us learn more about our history and the truth that successive regimes would let us rather forget and submit to the erstwhile doctrine of white supremacy. The unbelievable resistance and heroism of King Dinuzulu against colonialism must inspire us to work together to build a prosperous country for future generations.

As the ANC, we are however, disappointed that after a successful event, our members were attacked by IFP members who were bussed in from a hostel. We are calling upon the police to investigate this attack and ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators.

We are comforted by the reports that our members are recovering after receiving urgent medical attention from health professionals at KwaCeza Hospital.

We have been informed about the efforts of both the ANC and IFP leadership in KwaZulu-Natal aimed at ensuring that violence never resurfaces in any part of the province.

In pursuing long-term peace and stability, there are a few elements that must be isolated by all peace- loving people in the province.

In conclusion, as the ANC, we wish to remind those who are beating the drums of violence that the tension and conflict that we carried as South Africans over many decades were finally settled in 1994. This was done through the advent of democratic change and the national general elections based on equality and the principle of one man, one vote.

The people of this country and KwaZulu-Natal in particular must unite and show public disapproval against any attempt aimed at taking us back to an era of tension and blood-letting as a result of political violence.

The building of a peaceful and united South African nation is a duty we cannot delegate to future generations. This is the task that our history has entrusted to us.

Issued by Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, National Spokesperson, 19 March 2024