Inkatha Freedom Party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa has stated that it is impossible for any individual or party to capture traditional leaders and the Zulu royal household in South Africa. This assertion was made during a recent elections debate hosted by Arena Holdings, where Hlabisa addressed concerns about the influence of traditional leaders in party political support. He emphasized that traditional authorities govern and preside over all subjects and citizens in the country.
Hlabisa's comments come amid recent polls suggesting that the MK party is in pole position to take over the highly contested eThekwini municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. The polls have raised questions about the role of traditional leaders in shaping political support in the province. However, Hlabisa rejected the notion that the MK party's success is due to its ability to win over traditional leaders. Instead, he attributed the party's potential success to its groundwork and the experience of its candidates.
The IFP leader highlighted the importance of the Zulu royal household in South Africa's political dynamic. He noted that the IFP has extensive experience in navigating royal household politics and understands that the royal household is above politics. Hlabisa emphasized that anyone attempting to capture the royal household for political gain is mistaken. He also stressed that the people of KwaZulu-Natal are free to associate with any political party, respecting the royal household while making their own choices.
Hlabisa also addressed concerns about ethnic mobilization and its potential impact on governance in KwaZulu-Natal. He insisted that the people of the province are free to think beyond one political party and are not limited by their association with the royal household. Hlabisa expressed his desire to keep the king out of politics, emphasizing that all citizens, including those from various political parties, are subjects of the king.
As the minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, Hlabisa was questioned about the Ingonyama Trust and its landholdings in KwaZulu-Natal. He clarified that his role is national, and he is responsible for nine provinces, not just KwaZulu-Natal. Hlabisa explained that the Ingonyama Trust's landholdings are not as extensive as often perceived, with larger portions of land not under the trust.
Hlabisa expressed confidence in the IFP's prospects in the upcoming elections, particularly in eThekwini. He noted that the party has fielded a young, experienced candidate and is doing extensive groundwork. Hlabisa predicted that the party's efforts would prove the current polls wrong, resulting in a surprise outcome.
The IFP leader's assertions reflect the party's stance on traditional leaders and their role in South African politics. As the elections approach, Hlabisa's comments are likely to contribute to the ongoing debate about the influence of traditional leaders in shaping the country's political landscape. The outcome of the elections in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in eThekwini, will be closely watched to see if the IFP can defy the current polls and secure a significant victory.
Key points
- IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa asserts that traditional leaders in South Africa cannot be captured by any individual or party.
- Hlabisa expresses confidence in the IFP's prospects in the upcoming elections in eThekwini, despite current polls suggesting otherwise.
- The IFP leader emphasizes the importance of the Zulu royal household in South Africa's political dynamic, while keeping it above politics.
