By Celani Sikhakhane
The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has accused Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube of reviving painful memories of political violence in the province by only recognising ANC members who were killed in the turbulent 1990s.
Blessed Gwala, the IFP leader in the KZN Legislature, raised the party’s concerns in his reaction to the State of the Province Address delivered by Dube-Ncube on Wednesday.
She told the Legislature at the Oval Cricket Stadium in Pietermaritzburg that the province has made major progress in overcoming the violence that claimed many innocent lives.
“How can we forget the ‘Seven Days’ War’ in Pietermaritzburg where many ANC members were killed?” Dube-Ncube said. “We thank our leaders, including Dr Zweli Mkhize, Dr Sbu Ndebele, the late Dumisani Makhaye, and others, who worked hard with IFP leaders to bring peace to KwaZulu-Natal.”
The premier also mentioned the Shobashobane Massacre, where ANC members were killed on Christmas Day in 1995 during a conflict between the ANC and the IFP, which Gwala referred to as a “family fight”.
Gwala said if Dube-Ncube was sincere about peace in KZN, she should have also recognised the numerous IFP members who were killed during the political violence.
“It was a speech filled with violence,” said Gwala. “She spent almost three hours without saying anything but campaigning for her political party. She also chose to ignore the violence of the 1990s where scores of IFP members were killed. Her speech made it seem like only ANC members were murdered in KwaZulu-Natal.”
Meanwhile, the EFF KZN chairperson, Mongezi Thwala, said Dube-Ncube’s speech showed that the provincial government had failed to address the plight of those affected by the deadly floods of April 2022.
ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma said the premier had demonstrated the dedication of the ANC-led government to growing the province’s economy.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini praised Dube-Ncube for her efforts in uplifting the economy and creating opportunities for young people in the private sector.
Pictured above: Blessed Gwala, IFP caucus leader in the KZN Legislature.
Image source: X
