Today the Inkatha Freedom Party takes yet another step towards attaining its goal of regaining control of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. This is how significant this gathering is.

Colleagues, on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi our President, I welcome all who have gathered here today to welcome leaders from both the ANC and the NFP into the folds of the IFP.

I welcome our new colleagues who are joining the Inkatha Freedom Party knowing that the IFP is the only party that has an unblemished track record of clean governance and moral leadership. Realising that the coalition between the ANC and the NFP has failed dismally in providing essential services to our people, these colleagues have decided to make the IFP their home.

In the past few months the IFP has welcomed many former and new members into the Party’s fold. This is a tangible testament of the people’s realisation that the IFP is truly committed to serving their best interests. This further demonstrates that the political landscape in KwaZulu-Natal is rapidly changing in favour of the IFP.

Our recent success in the Local Government Elections sent a clear message to the country that the IFP still has a major role to play in the South African political landscape. While many so-called political analysts had prematurely written the IFP off as a spent force, we have again proved them wrong. Our come-back was remarkable and a clear indication that voters still have confidence in the IFP and still see the IFP as the Party that has the capacity to save this province and give hope to the nation.

Our support is growing on a daily basis. In many areas people are coming out openly in their rejection of corruption and poor service delivery. People want a party they can trust to deliver services and improve their lives. I remember that the ANC claimed during its 103 year celebrations held in Nkandla that it will reclaim the Nkandla Municipality from the IFP in the municipal elections. The ANC used its 103 year celebrations to discredit us in the eyes of Nkandla residents by labelling us as failures. You know what the people of Nkandla said through the ballot box in August this year. They rejected the ANC and gave the IFP the mandate to continue governing their municipality. They did this because they know that the IFP has treated them well and has put their needs above the comforts of party leaders.

Among members that we welcome today include Mr Sphakanyiswa Sabela the NFP Umhlathuze Constituency Chairperson, Sandile Shange the NFP Umhlathuze Constituency Chairperson of Youth, Phindile Ndunakazi the NFP Constituency Woman Chairperson, Xolani Mpanza the NFP Umhlathuze Constituency Secretary, Zandile Madlala the NFP Umhlathuze Constituency Deputy Secretary as well as Ntando Mzimela the Umlalazi Constituency Chairperson. These are the senior leaders from constituencies who come with a number of branch chairpersons including ANC members. I want to assure those who are coming back from the NFP that we respect your decisions and we respect you as leaders. We welcome you back in the knowledge that you are now better informed and more empowered.

Colleagues who are joining us from the ANC can be assured that they will be comfortable in the ranks of the IFP. You know that you have made the right decision to join the IFP because you also want what is best for your communities. You can improve the lives of those around you because you are now with a party that cares about the citizens of this province.

I welcome you all and urge you to make a positive mark in the ranks of the IFP.

I thank you.