11 January 2000
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is disturbed by reports alleging that some IFP leaders are calling on people "to be ready to fight and prepare whatever weapons you'll use to fight when war breaks out over these proposed demarcations". The utterances were made by Umzinyathi IFP leader, Mr Jubilee Gcabashe, at a mass meeting of Qadi people called by iNkosi Mzunjani Ngcobo of AmaQadi tribe on Sunday. The meeting had been called to dictate to people that they should reject the proposals of the Demarcation Board and also to instruct them to attend the so-called protest rally called by certain Amakhosi to oppose new boundaries.
The ANC recognises the right of anyone to express his or her views on any issue but it cannot turn a deaf ear to statements undermining peace which is presently prevailing in this province. We are sure that people of KwaZulu-Natal will never back anyone or organisation trying to plunge this region back to violence. Debates on various issues can be conducted without inciting people to be violent.
The ANC calls on all people of this province to effectively isolate and ignore anyone or organisation calling for instability during this period leading to local government elections.
ISSUED BY KZN DEPT. OF INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY
CONTACT: KZN ANC SPOKESPERSON ON SAFETY AND SECURITY BHEKI CELE,
at 082 900 3569 OR 082 402 8286 OR
KZN ANC SPOKESPERSON, MTHOLEPHI MTHIMKHULU at 082 702 9729