‘NO amount of intimidation will dampen the spirit of the IFP going into the local government elections.
‘As a party we remain focused in reclaiming all ‘our’ municipalities that went to the ruling party in the last elections held in 2011.’
This sentiment was expressed by the IFP veteran Robert ‘Savimbi’ Mkhize, of the uMhlathuze Constituency.
Mkhize was addressing mourners at the funeral of the slain iNduna Mlayeni Sibisi of Fatima Reserve, near Ntambanana, on Sunday.
INduna Sibisi (74) was killed by unknown gunmen at his home, and according to the police the motive for the murder was unclear.
‘While we view this barbaric incident as purely criminal, we are mindful that iNduna Sibisi was one of the few traditional leaders who did not shy away from being an IFP member.
‘This was a special leader, who mastered the game of politics, while at the same time striving to unlock rural development.
‘We are not only saddened that we have lost iNduna, but our concern is that he died at a time when he was at the forefront of rural development, and was working closely with local councillors.
‘We had faith in him and his team that they were going to make the lives of the people of Fatima better.
‘We all know that this area is underdeveloped. Most people living here do not even have electricity.
‘In fact the entire Obuka area has been let down by the ruling party.
‘No clinic, nor a class, let alone a school, has been built by the ruling party, yet it is easy for them to celebrate 20 years in power,’ he said.
Mkhize said iNduna Sibisi was living proof that traditional leaders can also play a meaningful role in society under the political umbrella.
‘INduna Sibisi was following in the footsteps of our leader uMntwana waKwaPhindangene, iNkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who is both a traditional leader and a politician par excellence.’
The funeral was also attended by the IFP’s Deputy Treasurer in uThungulu District Ozias Mthembu, Youth Brigade Deputy Secretary in iThungulu District Nomvelo Mthembu and Ntambanana Municipality Councillor Mshini Mabaso.
