IFP MP quits parliament

2012-02-07 22:34

Johannesburg - Inkatha Freedom Party MP Musa Zondi has resigned from his position, Parliament's communications service said on Tuesday.

It said Zondi, who was also the IFP's secretary-general, tendered his resignation to the National Assembly Speaker, Max Sisulu, on January 24.

This makes Zondi the second official to step down from a key position in the same month.

Another MP and national organiser, Albert Mncwango, quit from his position after allegedly being pressured by the party's leadership.

Zondi declined to say why he resigned. He referred enquiries on the matter to IFP national spokesperson Joshua Mazibuko.

Mazibuko said he was not aware of Zondi's resignation.

"It's news to me," he said, asking who gave Parliament a mandate to pronounce on the matter without consulting the party first.

Zondi's resignation took effect on February 1.

There have been reports of jostling for positions in the IFP ahead of the party's elective conference expected to be held sometime this year.

Zondi, regarded as heir apparent to IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi when he retires, said last year he would quit active politics at the conference.

At the time, Zondi said there was a smear campaign against him by people within the IFP, who believed he was a threat to their leadership ambitions.

Mncwango was reportedly also considered a potential candidate to take over the leadership of the party.

- SAPA