IFP supporters upset premier
2004-01-29 22:05
Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal Premier and national IFP chair Lionel Mtshali expressed disappointment with the behaviour of some of his party's supporters at the government imbizos on Thursday.
Mtshali was accompanying President Thabo Mbeki on a round of
imbizos in the province.
At the first imbizo at Tugela Ferry, 100 km outside
Pietermaritzburg, Mbeki's convoy was disrupted by marching Inkatha Freedom Party supporters carrying traditional weapons.
The group of about 150 people chanted that they were IFP
warriors and were not afraid of the ANC.
At the second imbizo, in Newcastle on Thursday afternoon,
question time was constantly interrupted as a small group of IFP
supporters blew whistles and stood up and shouted.
'Battled to calm crowd
This angered the ANC supporters who shook their fists at the IFP
followers and shouted "Suka" (go away).
KwaZulu-Natal public works MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu battled to calm the crowd who eventually sat down.
However, the crowd soon erupted into a second session of whistle-blowing and fist-shaking before finally calming down.
Mtshali angrily told the crowd that they should act responsibly and speak responsibly.
"I am disappointed by this behaviour. People must respect each other."
- SAPA