THE Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is facing revolt from within its ranks. The IFP Youth Brigade (IFPYB) is threatening to return their membership cards and demonstrate against the party’s senior leadership if their decision to expel four youth members is not reversed.
Last week, the IFP’s national council expelled Irvin Barnes, Skhumbuzo Khanyeza Simphiwe Buthelezi and Hlengiwe Mthiyane allegedly for ill-discipline. They had been on suspension since May.
On Tuesday, the IFPYB in Johannesburg threatened to march against the senior leadership because of the decision.
IFP sources said numerous branches in the province mobilised and they were deciding on a date to return their membership cards.
One of the expelled members, Barnes, said he had heard the rumour, but hoped the youth would avoid such a drastic step. “The youth should reinforce their membership, and prepare for the conference because that is the only way we are going to reverse the decision.”
He said the leadership that took the decision were not a legitimate leadership as their term had expired in July.
Thukela District IFPYB chairman Bhishi Mdakane said their district had not yet taken a decision. The IFPYB president Patricia Lebenya-Ntanzi was not available for comment.
