'Go away, Mbeki'
2004-01-29 12:21
Tugela Ferry - President Thabo Mbeki's arrival at a community imbizo in Tugela Ferry near Pietermaritzburg was delayed by Inkatha Freedom Party supporters marching in front of the presidential convoy on Thursday.
The president, who had just visited a community project in the area, was on his way to the venue where the imbizo was to take place when about 150 IFP supporters marched in front of his convoy.
Wearing T-shirts bearing the face of IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and carrying traditional shields and spears, the marchers chanted that they were IFP warriors and that the African National Congress, which Mbeki heads, was not welcome.
Mbeki's convoy came to a standstill while police battled to get the marchers off the road. One man was arrested for being in possession of a firearm.
The protesters eventually ran ahead and Mbeki was able to enter the venue.
IFP supporters however, remained just outside the venue, pressed up against the perimeter fence toyi-toying and chanting that Mbeki was not welcome.
Presidential spokesperson Bheki Khumalo said the ANC and IFP had to work towards avoiding this sort of incident.
"This event is not a political one. People must be discouraged from behaving this way."
He said it was their right to march but it was something that parties wanted to discourage altogether.
He said party supporters, both IFP and ANC, must also be discouraged from wearing party T-shirts at this type of meeting.
Mbeki is expected to address the more than 500 members of the local community at the Tugela Ferry function.
- SAPA