Hlabisa hits out at Ramaphosa for signing Land Expropriation Act

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Velenkosini Hlabisa has criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for what he calls failure to consult GNU partners before signing the Land Expropriation Act. Hlabisa says President Ramaphosa must not unilaterally sign controversial laws without proper discussions with parties who form the government going forward.

He was speaking at the party’s official launch of its 50th anniversary celebrations in Durban.

The IFP says it will hold yearlong celebrations to mark 50 years of its existence. The party was founded in 1975 initially as a cultural movement. It’s founding President the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi led the IFP for over 40 years before stepping down in 2019. Party supporters say they want to see a united IFP.

Party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says they will use these celebrations to draw lessons and prepare for years ahead. The party will hold numerous celebrations in KZN and Gauteng. The main rally will be held in Ulundi at the Prince Mangosuthu stadium in March.

“The past few years have been filled with a number of challenges for the party. Adding that these celebrations will be used to connect with the party supporters,” says Hlabisa.

Hlabisa used the occasion to distance the party from the land Expropriation Act recently signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The IFP says it does not agree with the Act.

“The president needs to consult his partners in the GNU to avoid a situation where there are disagreements among different parties when such laws are being signed,” says Hlabisa.

The party says it has declared the 27th of August as a day to celebrate and remember the life of its founding President Prince Buthelezi.

The IFP has also called for a national dialogue involving all political parties and other stakeholders to discuss social challenges and possible solutions to the country’s problems.

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