Cape Town – The IFP is insisting that its members wear T-shirts with the face of its President Emeritus, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, for the 2024 general elections.
The party said the move reflected the IFP’s deep respect and admiration for Buthelezi, 95, who had played a pivotal role in its history.
Despite some criticism following a leaked memo from the IFP’s secretary general, Siphosethu Ngcobo, instructing members to adhere to this directive and refrain from wearing regalia bearing the face of the current party president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the party has clarified that Buthelezi had no involvement in the decision.
The party said it recognised Buthelezi’s legacy and his commitment to moral and ethical leadership, which had contributed significantly to the party’s growth over the years.
By featuring his image prominently in their campaign, the IFP was harnessing the power of Buthelezi’s reputation to inspire voters.
“Nobody will deny that Buthelezi is the IFP’s strongest brand. Due to his legacy and commitment to moral ethical leadership, the IFP continues to grow,” Ngcobo said during a press briefing on Friday.
IFP Secretary-General Siphosethu Ngcobo, says Mangosuthu Buthelezi is the brand of the party and his face will be used on all regalia. Ngcobo was giving an update on the party’s readiness ahead of next year’s elections. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/cGmdjnpEkj
— eNCA (@eNCA) May 19, 2023
But according to Sunday World, political analyst Ralph Mathekga suggests that the IFP’s insistence on using Buthelezi as the face of its 2024 election campaign reflects growing political instability within the party.
“… There has been a bitter factional battle within the party on who should lead the party to the national elections in 2024 – a matter that could, according to some insiders, be resolved at the upcoming the party national conference in August.
“The struggle for the party’s top spot is expected to be between Hlabisa and Thamsanqa Ntuli, the party’s KZN provincial chairperson,” the report said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
