Inkatha Freedom Party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa received a standing ovation as he began his address at the opening of the party’s conference on Sunday afternoon, with delegates from the provinces singing and chanting his name.
In his speech, Hlabisa spoke passionately about the IFP’s commitment to the progress of South Africa and maintained his advocacy of radical economic transformation and racial equity. He discussed the “unfinished business” of democracy, citing the high ruthless crime rate and houses without electricity as examples of the injustices that South Africans are facing and vowed to right the wrongs.
“The people of South Africa need justice and equality, they need to be set free from the bonds of poverty and hardship. We have to fight for them, we have to fight to ensure that their voice is heard and their rights are respected,” Hlabisa stated.
The IFP leader also discussed the urgent need to ensure sustainable service delivery in South Africa and to provide resources for communities. He emphasised the importance of public participation in decision making processes and the need for an inclusive government that listens to the people.
Hlabisa received a round of applause when he mentioned the need to accelerate land reform and reaffirmed his party’s commitment to achieving this goal. He said that the IFP is committed to creating a “truly liberated and unified” South Africa, where everyone has access to the same opportunities.
Furthermore, Hlabisa angered by the ANC’s recent decisions, claiming that they are not prioritising issues that matter to South Africans. He argued that the ANC no longer represents the values of its leaders and cited this as a reason for the party’s decreasing popularity.
When it came to education, Hlabisa spoke again about the weight of the injustice of inequality; one of the primary reasons why the IFP exists. “We want to see a great wake-up call in South Africa – where children of all backgrounds have the opportunity to receive quality education and the chance to move up in life,” he said.
Hlabisa concluded his speech by thanking all of the delegates for their support and pledged to continue to fight for the rights of the South African people. “We are the liberation party of the people and we will guide our citizens to a better future,” he declared.
The IFP leader’s heartfelt and inspiring address was a clear reminder of the party’s commitment to progress and showed why it has such a strong support base. It was refreshing to see a leader so passionate and determined to ensure justice and equality for South Africans, and it is hoped that the IFP will continue to fight for and serve its people.
