DISGRUNTLED IFP members, fearing an outbreak of violence at the party’s elective conference this week, have pleaded with National Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele to deploy police at the venue to protect them.
More than 1,000 party members marched through the Durban city centre on Saturday, demanding transformation in the 35-year-old party.
March organiser, Mzonjani Zulu, said the protest showed how serious members were in their quest for change.
“We can’t have a party that has been led by one individual for 35 years. We can’t have leaders who want to rule until Jesus Christ returns.
“Change is vital, it must start from the top to councillors.
“We want a total overhaul of the national council and national executive council. We want new blood that will take the party to greater heights,” Zule said.
He denied reports that they supported party national chairperson, Zanele Magwaza-Msibi, saying they were just concerned members.
“Last week a minibus full of weapons arrived at the meeting and warriors were given those weapons to assassinate other members and we fear that the situation might become volatile.
“Those people who will be going to the conference must be ready for all sorts of attacks from hired hitmen who will be deployed there,” Zulu warned.
Zanele Mthethwa, IFP Youth Brigade chairperson for the South Central region, said: “We love our party but it must be democratic. We want it to be a party that respects women.”
But IFP general secretary Musa Zondi said there was no need for the protest march.
Appeal for protection at IFP meeting
DISGRUNTLED IFP members, fearing an outbreak of violence at the party’s elective conference this week, have pleaded with National Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele to deploy police at the venue to protect them.
More than 1,000 party members marched through the Durban city centre on Saturday, demanding transformation in the 35-year-old party.
March organiser, Mzonjani Zulu, said the protest showed how serious members were in their quest for change.
“We can’t have a party that has been led by one individual for 35 years. We can’t have leaders who want to rule until Jesus Christ returns.
“Change is vital, it must start from the top to councillors.
“We want a total overhaul of the national council and national executive council. We want new blood that will take the party to greater heights,” Zule said.
He denied reports that they supported party national chairperson, Zanele Magwaza-Msibi, saying they were just concerned members.
“Last week a minibus full of weapons arrived at the meeting and warriors were given those weapons to assassinate other members and we fear that the situation might become volatile.
“Those people who will be going to the conference must be ready for all sorts of attacks from hired hitmen who will be deployed there,” Zulu warned.
Zanele Mthethwa, IFP Youth Brigade chairperson for the South Central region, said: “We love our party but it must be democratic. We want it to be a party that respects women.”
But IFP general secretary Musa Zondi said there was no need for the protest march.
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