Another Buthelezi set to lead IFP
2012-12-17 08:32
Ayanda Mdluli, The Witness
Pietermaritzburg - Some of the key words associated with
politicians are “ambition” and “arrogance”, but not for Mzamo Buthelezi, who
says he believes in humility and consultation.
Buthelezi, 36, was confirmed on Saturday as next in line to
succeed Mangosuthu Buthelezi when he retires as leader of the Inkatha Freedom
Party.
Not much is known about him outside the IFP. This
traditional leader from Mbongombongweni in Zululand holds strong views about
the role that traditional leadership can play in helping rural communities.
He wants to protect the interests of women as they
participate significantly in small-scale and subsistence agriculture. He also
wants women leaders in rural areas, as well as female amakhosi, to be heard and
recognised throughout the country.
IFP elective conference
Buthelezi was elected unopposed on Saturday at the IFP’s
34th elective conference in Ulundi. He was fast-tracked to the top above
veterans such as Blessed Gwala and Albert Mncwango.
Buthelezi is the chairperson of the party’s political
oversight committee, and also served in the leadership of IFP Youth Brigade.
The IFP amended its constitution at the weekend and created
the position of deputy president in the hope of realising a smooth transition.
This came after the bitter experiences of its 2009 elective conference, which was
marred by chaos and resulted in a split that saw the formation of the National
Freedom Party.
It hurt the IFP, with the loss of 1.2m votes in the general
election of that year, and the loss of at least 30 municipalities, according to
national organiser Mfanje Mbango.
Nepotism allegations
Mzamo Buthelezi was born in Paulpietersburg, where he
attended primary and high school. He became an inkosi in 2003 after the death
of his father. He is married with three children.
He dismissed as “trash” allegations of nepotism because he
has the same surname as the IFP leader.
“Yes, in the house of Buthelezi and in the Zulu culture
those of us with the same surname are related, but I have used my membership
and ability to get to where I am. There are lots of Buthelezis and this is a
non-issue.”
Mangosuthu Buthelezi was re-elected unopposed and will see
through the leadership transition.
Gwala was elected national chairperson and Mncwango his
deputy. Sibongile Nkomo, a veteran leader in the women’s brigade, was elected
secretary-general.
