STATEMENT BY PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY AT A MEETING WITH THE COMMUNITY OF UMLAZI MONDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2012

People of Umlazi,

We, the leadership of the IFP, have come here to pledge our support to you. We are deeply concerned about the violence and bloodshed that has engulfed this community over the past few days. Umlazi has been plunged into a crisis that must be resolved, for we just cannot endure the further loss of life. We are here to address the tensions and solve the crisis. Our message is clear: THE VIOLENCE MUST STOP.

The IFP rejects any form of violence. We abhor violence. We believe in engaging problems through negotiation, not through violence or the barrel of the gun. My entire legacy stands as testimony to this truth.

I have been vilified throughout the world for not embracing the armed struggle. We are a Party of peace.

I know that there is a great deal of energy and passion in this community. Your political allegiance runs deep. I would therefore like to plead with all of you today to channel this energy into finding a solution to end the senseless bloodshed. Let us make it clear that the creation of so-called 'no-go areas' is unacceptable.

As the leadership of this Party, we will continue to engage the leadership of the NFP to talk seriously about this issue and ensure that the violence is resolved.

As a Party we remain committed to political tolerance. The IFP is committed to multi-party democracy and is committed to achieving lasting peace in KwaZulu-Natal.

We pledge our support to you, the thousands of members and supporters of the IFP in Umlazi, as you try to rebuild your lives following this painful incident. We are here for you. Let us all declare today that we have a shared commitment to fostering peace in the community of Umlazi; for the sake of peace and prosperity in this community.

I thank you.

Issued by the IFP, February 27 2012

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