NFP celebrates second anniversary
2013-02-18 16:16
Durban - The National Freedom Party will celebrate its second anniversary in KwaMashu, north of Durban, this weekend, secretary-general Nlanhla Khubisa said on Monday.
Party leader Zanele Magwaza-Msibi will use the event "to kick start a tone for our 2014 electioneering campaign strategy".
Members from around the country were expected to attend the celebrations at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
Magwaza-Msibi said the past two years were characterised by gratification and challenges for the party.
"You will recall that when the party was formed there were many comments that were made by people, saying we won't see the light of the day, we will be like all other political parties which were formed after 1994," she said.
"But we surprised many people; we went to the elections and were able to attract 1.2 million voters."
She voiced concern over the venue of the celebrations as NFP and Inkatha Freedom Party supporters have clashed at KwaMashu in the past.
In November, police were unable to contain violent clashes between NFP and IFP supporters in KwaMashu's A-section.
Magwaza-Msibi was blocked from entering the area and a journalist's car was set alight.
In October, IFP supporter Cebisile Shezi, 31, was shot dead near the Thembalihle train station in KwaMashu.
Shezi was shot after Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa addressed Inkatha Freedom Party members, urging them to remain calm after the party's councillor was kidnapped.
The NFP said it initially planned to have its celebration at Curries Fountain Stadium in Durban, but this was not available as it was being upgraded.
KaMagwaza-Msibi said the party would work with police on Sunday.
Khubisa said the party did not believe in no-go areas.
"We have a right to converge and meet anywhere. We are not afraid, we don't believe people can disbar us from meeting," he said.
- SAPA
