By Sihle Mavuso
No foreigners should own spaza shops in villages and townships.
Presenting the IFP’s election manifesto at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, party president Velenkosini Hlabisa said the people of South Africa must come first.
He said under his party’s government, spaza shops in townships would be reserved for South Africans, and jobs in sectors like e-hailing, the hospitality industry and truck driving would be reserved for South Africans.
Outlining his party’s position on illegal immigration, Hlabisa said the IFP would introduce an 80-20 policy, with 80% of jobs in the country going to locals and immigrants getting no more than 20%.
“That would be enforced and companies who don’t follow this would be penalised,” said Hlabisa.
Hlabisa said under the IFP, foreign nationals would be treated in hospitals, but their governments would be invoiced.
Turning to crime, Hlabisa said the IFP wants a return of the death penalty to deter criminals from committing serious crimes like murder and rape.
To reduce the escalating cost of doing business in South Africa, he said the IFP would do away with “unnecessary fuel levies” so that South Africans are not burdened by high fuel costs.
He said under the IFP government, no qualified nurse would be unemployed while there are vacant positions in hospitals.
The IFP also called for dramatic increases in the child support grant and the old age grant.
Its manifesto also called for a R3,000 job seekers grant for unemployed graduates.
Being a Zulu traditionalists party, the IFP said it would protect the independence of the Zulu Monarch.
The ANC run KZN government has been accused of trying to control the affairs of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
With hundreds of amabutho (Zulu regiments) performing traditional songs and dance at the stadium, Hlabisa assured them that the IFP would fight for the rights of izinduna and Amakhosi.
The IFP has a long history with traditional leadership as it was founded by the late Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a member of the Zulu Royal Family.
Affectionately known by his clan name Shenge, Prince Buthelezi served for decades as traditional prime minister to the Zulu Nation and the late King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu.
Pictured above: IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa and the party’s candidate for KZN premier, Thami Ntuli, at the party’s manifesto launch at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Image Source: Sihle Mavuso
