IFP angry over Ramaphosa’s new land law

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By Celani Sikhakhane

  • IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says President Ramaphosa should have talked to them before signing the new land law.
  • The party worries the law will affect the Ingonyama Trust which controls tribal land in KwaZulu-Natal.

The IFP is unhappy with President Cyril Ramaphosa for signing a new law they say could affect tribal land in KwaZulu-Natal.

IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa spoke at the Durban City Hall on Monday during the launch of the party’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

He said Ramaphosa should have talked to other parties in the Government of National Unity before signing the expropriation bill into law.

“The reality is, during the seventh administration, the president no longer holds the majority of one party. He should have consulted with us as GNU partners about this bill. Therefore he must exercise the functions of his office cognisant of the fact that he must consult,” said Hlabisa.

“As the IFP we reject the bill because it doesn’t have meaningful land reform that is just equitable and aimed at addressing the historic injustices.”

Hlabisa also promised to protect Ithala Bank as the party celebrates 50 years since the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi founded the institution.

The IFP will mark its birthday on 21 March with a church service and by laying a wreath on the grave of Bishop Alpheus Zulu, the first black Anglican Church bishop in Southern Africa, and grandfather of sports presenter Robert Marawa.

Bishop Zulu advised Buthelezi to form both the IFP and Ithala Bank.

The main celebration will be held at the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Regional Stadium in Ulundi.

The party will also remember how Buthelezi fought against apartheid plans to give the Ngwavuma area of KwaZulu-Natal to Swaziland (now eSwatini).

The IFP has named 27 August, Buthelezi’s birthday, as a day to celebrate their founder’s life.

Pictured above: IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa warned President Cyril Ramaphosa over issues relating to Ingonyama Trust and Ithala Bank.

Source: Celani Sikhakhane