Buthelezi withdraws from race

2009-05-22 13:05

IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi (Rajesh Jantilal, AP)

Durban - IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who holds the top post in the KwaZulu-Natal house of Traditional Leaders, on Friday withdrew his nomination for the chairperson position.

“I am not prepared to be used as a tool to divide our traditional leadership, nor am I prepared to preside over a divided house or a divided institution of traditional leadership,” Buthelezi said at the Durban Exhibition Centre where the election was taking place.

He said he had held the post since 1994 and had done everything in his power to promote the cause of the Zulu kingdom.

Buthelezi also announced to the gathering that he would abstain from the voting process.

His announcement came after the Independent Electoral Commission tallied nominations which placed another traditional leader ahead of Buthelezi.

Bhekisisa Bhengu had 28 nominations while Buthelezi had only 24.

It was then that the Inkatha Freedom Party leader withdrew from the race.

- SAPA