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Tensions are harming IFP badly, says analyst

TURMOIL: The IFP's student wing, Sadesmo, and youth brigade members protest outside party's head offices in Durban. Pic. Thuli Dlamini. 01/09/2009. © Sowetan.
TURMOIL: The IFP's student wing, Sadesmo, and youth brigade members protest outside party's head offices in Durban. Pic. Thuli Dlamini. 01/09/2009. © Sowetan.

Tensions within the Inkatha Youth have reached boiling point and the revolt is unprecedented and harming the party badly, says political analyst Protas Madlala.

The police had to use rubber bullets to disperse two rival youth camps protesting outside the party's head offices in Durban on Monday

Several people, including a photographer, were injured.

Two cars were damaged as youths scattered and dived for cover. Disgruntled youths locked IFP leaders inside the party's offices during their weekly meetings.

One group was lobbying for IFP national chairperson Zanele Magwaza-Msibi to take over from party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

It also demanded the reinstatement of three youth leaders, Irvin Barnes, Skhumbuzo Khanyeza and Simpiwe Buthelezi.

The three were expelled after leading a protest calling for transformation in the IFP and the replacement of Buthelezi.

The other camp is against calls for transformation, saying that the party constitution has to be upheld and whoever is against it is welcome to leave the party.

They also made it clear that they want general secretary Musa Zondi to take over when Buthelezi retires.

"It's a palace revolt, which is unprecedented," Madlala said.

"Indications are that it is not at all going well internally. It is something that has never before happened in the history of the party."

Meanwhile the IFP Women's Brigade has distanced itself from the recent demonstrations.

IFPWB national chairperson Thembi Nzuza said: "The IFP women wish to distance themselves from attempts to bypass democratic processes in the party and force a leadership succession against the will of the party's grass-roots supporters.

"We stand behind Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as resolutely as ever."

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