Julius Malema's threats to IFP President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi cannot go unchallenged.

Julius Malema's threats to IFP President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi cannot go unchallenged.

I fully agree with Buthelezi's sentiments in Sowetan yesterday, that Malema is an "ill-bred brat" with shallow or no morals.

This political rookie thinks he can meddle in IFP activities and processes and dictate to the party but he has no business in its affairs, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. We believe in and support Shenge's leadership unconditionally.

Malema is nothing but a politically ignorant kid who needs to learn the basics of politics and democracy. He should not assume that because he dictates to the ANC, he can do likewise in the IFP. We will do whatever it takes to protect and defend the IFP from anyone who tries to derail the party or make provocative statements at us and our leadership collective.

Buthelezi is a democratically elected office bearer who will serve the IFP until we say otherwise. We take the allegation that he is a dictator very seriously because it undermines the IFP's internal democratic processes.

Malema should retract his statements and apologise to Shenge, the IFP and South Africa. If provoked, we will react accordingly, within the parameters of the Constitution.

Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Nkwenkwezi Village - KwaThoyana