IFP far behind - Buthelezi

2010-08-14 18:09

Newcastle - The IFP was far behind in campaigning for the upcoming local government elections, its leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said on Saturday.

"We face a challenge of contesting next year's local government elections when we are far behind in mobilising support and wooing voters."

He was addressing Inkatha Freedom Party supporters in Newcastle's Osizweni township.

Buthelezi said the party spent more time resolving internal divisions over the lobbying of top positions ahead of its elective conference than carrying out campaigning work.

Such divisions resulted in the conference being postponed several times.

Buthelezi was worried that the party did not do well in Newcastle during the recent by-elections.

"If we fail to hit the campaign trail running, we may very well lose this municipality in 2011. If our showing in 2011 is as poor as it was in 2009, it may herald the end of our party in this district."

He was not willing to see the party "disappearing into oblivion" due to its lack of resources to campaign properly.

"We know that we lost votes in previous elections simply because we did not assist people in getting to polling stations.

"In 2011 we need to get our supporters there by whatever means possible."

Mobilising people to go and vote for the upcoming elections needed to start as soon as possible.

Buthelezi also urged his supporters to be patient with him as he was considering the party's request to continue his leadership role.

"I am still mulling over in my mind how to best to serve the IFP and this country in these days ahead. I have a fighting spirit for the IFP.

" I have not given up and I am not intimidated"

- SAPA