IFP acting chair suspended

2009-11-11 17:04

Durban - KwaZulu-Natal IFP acting chairperson Muzi Simelane has been suspended for publicly nominating the party's national chairperson, Zenele Magwaza-Msibi, as his preferred candidate to replace IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi next year.

"He has been sentenced to a three-year suspension of his membership of the party, which also prevented him from holding any IFP office for the next three years," the party said in a statement on Wednesday.

Simelane on Tuesday announced that Magwaza-Msibi was the Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade's choice to replace Buthelezi.

The announcement came a few weeks after Magwaza-Msibi publicly announced she would not be available for nomination for the presidency, a spot occupied by Buthelezi for more than 30 years.

Huge support

Simelane claimed Magwaza-Msibi was pushed by the party's national executive to announce she would not be available because it saw she had massive support.

The statement, issued by IFP provincial secretary Bonginkosi Buthelezi and eThekwini IFP deputy secretary, Joshua Mazibuko, said the decision to suspend Simelane came after the completion of the disciplinary hearing.

"Simelane's suspension [is] in effect... from Monday (September 9) onwards until a period of three years has elapsed," the leaders said.

In this period, Simelane would not be allowed to make any pronouncements in the name of or on behalf of any structure of the IFP or to associate himself with any structure or activity of the IFP throughout South Africa.

"We hope and expect that every institution or individual committed to the entrenchment of democratic principles in our country will respect the IFP's internal constitutional processes by ceasing to engage Simelane on any issue which pertains to the IFP and its activities."

Simelane said he had been suspended because he had nominated the candidate that senior IFP leaders did not like.

"If we chose Zondi or any of the leaders, I would not have been suspended," he said.

'The view of the masses'

Former KwaZulu-Natal premier and senior IFP leader Lionel Mtshali said he would prefer IFP general secretary Musa Zondi to take over from Buthelezi. He apologised after he appeared before the party’s disciplinary committee.

Simelane was among IFP youth wing leaders who advocated transformation in the party last year. The move resulted in IFP provincial chairperson Irvin Barnes as well as Sikhumbuzo Khanyeza and Simphiwe Buthelezi being suspended.

Simelane said the suspension would not silence him to continue campaigning for Magwaza-Msibi.

"These people forget that what I said is not about me. It is the view of the masses. The campaign will continue," said Simelane.
 

- SAPA