Mhlaba Memele

Mhlaba Memele

The Inkatha Freedom Party has warned its members not to fall into the ANC trap of blurring the differences between the two parties and being canvassed to support Jacob Zuma.

ANC's strategists in KwaZuluNatal are investing in Zuma's mass appeal to woo IFP supporters to its side.

The IFP moved swiftly to deal with this perception at its last national conference before the general election takes place next year.

IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi described Zuma as just another ANC politician. He dismissed suggestions that his party would merge with the ANC, saying the two parties would remain two distinct political formations.

Last weekend the ANC launched its election campaign in Umlazi.

MEC for finance and economic development Zweli Mkhize called on the ANC's outsiders to rally behind Msholozi .

Buthelezi said: "There are some political illiterates trying to pretend that the differences of policy and strategy between the ANC and IFP will be wiped out merely because he (Zuma) is a Zulu - as if they only realise that now."

Meanwhile, the IFP has expressed concern about its councillors who had turned out "yes-men" in the ANC-led municipalities.

IFP political oversight committee chairman CT Msimang said they had received disturbing reports that the IFP had been reduced to a silent partner.