LESS than a month has passed since the local government elections and the cash-strapped Inkatha Freedom Party has suspended its national and provincial organisers

National organiser Albert Mncwango and all the party's provincial organisers have been sent on "leave" after a national executive committee decision last Friday, in what is believed to be a cost-cutting move.

Among those put on leave are Mncwango's deputy Sthembiso Mbatha; KwaZulu-Natal organiser, Phumlani Khuzwayo; and Eastern Cape organiser Mkhuseli Cosa.

Cosa confirmed yesterday that he was given a letter signed by party office administrator Otto Kunene.

"The letter received by all organisers states that we must take leave and return party vehicles to head office.

"The reason given is that the party is in financial trouble, so it was cutting costs. The party said car expenditures were high in petrol and kilometres," Cosa said.

Cosa said they had been put on leave until next month.

It is rumoured that the IFP has also put general secretary Musa Zondi's two bodyguards on "special leave" and a car allocated to him by the party has also been withdrawn.

Newly appointed deputy national spokesperson Joshua Mazibuko said: "I am not aware of the suspensions. It has not come to my attention."

Mbatha also denied his suspension.