Mary Papayya

Mary Papayya

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in Durban says it will "use the same tactics the ANC used to topple an unjust apartheid government" to make sure the name Mangosuthu Highway remains.

The ANC wants to change the name to Griffiths Mxenge and Amanzimtoti's Kingsway Highway to Andrew Zondo.

Political experts warn that the situation, if not properly resolved, could result in a "major political crisis", especially if IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi's name is replaced.

IFP leader Thembi Nzuza says the party's decision follows the ANC majority in the eThekwini municipality decision to go ahead with another round of name changes.

Tempers flared at a full council meeting on Wednesday afternoon when the IFP and Democratic Alliance walked out of a meeting after the ANC voted to press ahead with the names.

"We were pushed into a corner and not allowed to debate the issue," Nzuza said.

"We had no option but to leave but the party is gearing up to fight.

"The politicians in the ruling party have forgotten how to speak the language of ordinary people. But when ordinary people protest they will listen.

"Bomber Andrew Zondo is a hero and this is the only language the ANC understands."

Zondo's bombing of the Amanzimtoti centre left five people dead.

Political commentator Zakhele Ndlovu warned that the ANC should be careful about the message it is projecting about its leadership of the city.

"It sends a message of arrogance. The ANC's national leadership must intervene."

The province had a "terrible past" and the attitude of the ANC and now the IFP "wanting to march and showing it's a victim" could get investors concerned.