The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) takes no pleasure in the electoral setback of the National Freedom Party (NFP)‚ says IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Speaking in Katlehong at the Gauteng launch of the IFP’s election manifesto‚ Buthelezi said what had happened to the NFP was tragic.

Apart from one municipality in Kwazulu-Natal – Nquthu Municipality – the NFP‚ a breakaway party from the IFP‚ has been barred by the Electoral Court from contesting other municipalities in the August 3 local government elections because it failed to pay the required registration fees by the June 2 deadline. 

 The party‚ which claims it missed the deadline owing to an administrative error‚ is now taking the matter to the country’s highest court‚ the Constitutional Court.

“When the Electoral Court upheld the IEC’s decision to disqualify the NFP from this election‚ thousands of NFP supporters were left in the cold. I know that many are angry‚ questioning how their leaders could make such a fundamental mistake. It is painful and difficult to accept.

 “While the NFP positioned itself as our opponent‚ we take no pleasure in this setback‚ for many of the people suffering now were once members of our own family‚” Buthelezi said on Sunday.

However‚ he said the IFP’s message to them had not changed.

 “They are welcome to return. There will always be a political home in the IFP. Whatever you choose to do‚ I urge you not to forfeit your vote.”