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IFPYB still wants radical change

THE IFP Youth Brigade insisted yesterday that transformation of all the organisation's senior leadership structures was a priority despite apologising to party president Mangosuthu Buthelezi after calling on him to step down.

THE IFP Youth Brigade insisted yesterday that transformation of all the organisation's senior leadership structures was a priority despite apologising to party president Mangosuthu Buthelezi after calling on him to step down.

This was after reports that the IFPYB had apologised at last weekend's election review indaba. IFPYB leaders had allegedly demanded that Buthelezi step down as party president.

The IFPYB leaders said they had only apologised to Buthelezi for the provincial leaders' refusal to attend a national council meeting in May.

That meeting was characterised by demonstrations by angry IFPYB members demanding changes to the party's top leadership structures. That led to the suspension of seven IFPYB leaders.

UThukela district IFPYB chairperson Bhishi Mdakane said their structures in 11 districts had decided to adopt a reconciliatory tone and apologise to Buthelezi for "their disruptive behavior only".

He said the IFPYB's demand for transformation of the party's leadership structures had not changed.

"We refused the IFPYB leadership entrance to the meeting unless the rest of us were allowed in. They were then suspended. That is what we apologised for," Mdakane said.

He said their plan to bring transformation to the party had not changed at all.

"The change and transformation we want does not single out individuals but involves a whole range of issues. We have serious problems with people around our president," he said.

He said the IFPYB still insisted on the legitimacy of the issues it raised, which, if resolved, would transform the party.

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