Malema SLAMS IFP for corruption and nepotism in KZN
The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has launched a scathing attack on the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal, accusing them of sex-for-jobs practices, mismanagement of municipal funds, and tribalism. Malema was speaking during the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the Ground Forces Forum, a series of rallies held by the EFF ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Malema claimed that the IFP, which governs several municipalities in the province, was abusing its power and exploiting the people. He alleged that the IFP was hiring and promoting its members and relatives based on their loyalty and sexual favours, rather than their qualifications and performance. He also alleged that the IFP was diverting public money to fund its political campaigns and enrich its leaders, while neglecting service delivery and infrastructure development.
“The IFP is a corrupt and rotten party that has nothing to offer to the people of KwaZulu-Natal. They are using the people as their personal ATM and their sex toys. They are stealing from the poor and giving to the rich. They are dividing the people along ethnic lines and promoting Zulu supremacy. They are the enemies of democracy and development,” Malema said.
Malema also criticised the IFP for its support of the Zulu monarchy, which he said was a relic of the past and a hindrance to the transformation of the society. He said that the EFF was the only party that could liberate the people of KwaZulu-Natal from the shackles of the IFP and the monarchy, and ensure that they enjoyed equal rights and opportunities.
“We are here to tell you that there is an alternative to the IFP and the monarchy. There is a party that will fight for your dignity and your freedom. There is a party that will put the land and the wealth of this country in your hands. There is a party that will make sure that you have access to quality education, health care, housing, water, electricity, and sanitation. There is a party that will unite you as South Africans, not as Zulus, Xhosas, or any other tribe. That party is the EFF,” Malema said.
Malema urged the people of KwaZulu-Natal to vote for the EFF in the upcoming elections, saying that it was the only way to bring about real change and progress in the province and the country. He said that the EFF had a clear vision and a concrete plan to address the challenges facing the people, such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, crime, corruption, and landlessness.
“We are not here to make empty promises or to tell you lies. We are here to tell you the truth and to show you the way. We are here to ask for your vote and your trust. We are here to ask you to join us in building a new South Africa, a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, black and white. We are here to ask you to choose the EFF, the only party that can deliver economic freedom in our lifetime,” Malema said.
The IFP has dismissed Malema’s accusations as baseless and unfounded, saying that they were part of his desperate attempt to gain popularity and relevance in the province. The IFP spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said that the IFP was a credible and accountable party that had a proven track record of good governance and service delivery in the municipalities that it controlled. He said that the IFP was not intimidated by Malema’s rhetoric and propaganda, and that it was confident that the people of KwaZulu-Natal would continue to support it in the elections.
“We don’t respond to nonsense and lies. We respond to facts and figures. We have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. We have done our work and we have done it well. We have delivered on our promises and we have improved the lives of our people. We have a clear vision and a solid manifesto for the future of this province and this country. We have the support and the trust of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. We are not worried about Malema and his noise. We are focused on winning the elections and continuing our work,” Hlengwa said.
The IFP is the fourth largest party in the country and the second largest in KwaZulu-Natal, after the ruling African National Congress (ANC). In the 2019 general elections, the IFP won 3.38% of the national vote and 14 seats in the National Assembly, as well as 16.34% of the provincial vote and 13 seats in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. The EFF came in third nationally, with 10.79% of the vote and 44 seats in the National Assembly, but only fifth in KwaZulu-Natal, with 9.71% of the vote and 8 seats in the provincial legislature.
The 2024 general elections are expected to be highly contested, as the ANC faces internal divisions and public discontent, while the opposition parties vie for power and influence. The EFF has set its sights on becoming the official opposition in the country and the governing party in some provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal. The IFP, on the other hand, has expressed its ambition to regain its status as the dominant party in the province and to increase its national representation.
Sources: IOL, The Star, MSN