Diverse communities no matter where they find themselves in our country, have a social responsibility in terms of nation-building to integrate and live in harmony. Ever since its establishment, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has pursued the ideal of an integrated society living in harmony, while retaining its identity, cultural and religious values.
This year marks 50 years since the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and visionary leaders gathered at KwaNzimela in KwaZulu on March 21, 1975, to discuss the future of our country. After intense deliberations they established Inkatha yeNkululeko yeSizwe, a national cultural liberation movement, which later became the IFP.
Prince Buthelezi founded the party in response to the banning of the ANC and other political movements, creating a powerful organisation that became a refuge for the oppressed from all racial and cultural backgrounds. In fact, during the early years of the organisation, Prince Buthelezi formed close relationships with the Indian community and formed close friendships with numerous Indian, white and coloured families.
During the years when apartheid banned black people from staying in hotels in Durban, Prince Buthelezi and his wife often stayed at the home of the late Dr Mohamed Mayat and his wife, Zuleikha, as well as at the home of Pat and Sakunthalay Poovalingham. Among his many good friends in the IFP, many occupied leadership roles within the IFP and continue to do so to date.
In my 23 years in the IFP and working closely with Prince Buthelezi and senior leadership from all structures of the party, I felt most welcome and respected. I recall that at every national council meeting, Prince Buthelezi would insist that the meetings must commence with a reading from the Bible, Bhagavad Gita and the Qur'an – thus speaking to being a party that includes and respects all sectors of the community.
Prince Buthelezi had always acknowledged the role that Indian people have played in South Africa’s transformation and liberation.
He once stated: "Many have done so much for the upliftment of black people in this province... I feel intensely the absence of my friend and mentor, Swamiji Sahajananda of the Divine Life Society, after such a long relationship spanning several decades.”
This ethos of respect and inclusivity continues under the leadership of IFP President, Honourable VF Hlabisa MP. One of the most senior positions in the IFP is occupied by the Hononourable Narend Singh, who is entrusted with being the treasurer general of the party and a member of the National Executive Committee.
The IFP’s faith and trust in leaders of Indian origin sees Narend Singh serving as Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, myself as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, and many councillors in municipalities across KwaZulu-Natal.
Singh, Councillor Abbas Warasally and I also serve on the National Council of the IFP, which is the highest decision-making body in between conferences. Such appointments demonstrate the IFP’s commitment to always be a home for all South Africans regardless of race, culture or disposition.
Over the years we have welcomed Prince Buthelezi and many senior leaders, including President Hlabisa and KZN Premier AT Ntuli, into Chatsworth, Phoenix, Umkomaas and other areas on many occasions to engage with our community. In the spirit of inclusivity in 2019, the IFP launched its manifesto at the Chatsworth Stadium, which saw thousands of supporters of different race groups gather and listen to our leadership, including Prince Buthelezi.
I can confidently say that South Africa is better off because of the IFP and its commitment to social cohesion. During the 2021 civil unrest, the IFP championed a campaign of peace and unity leading with the slogan: "Real Heroes Unite Communities," and saw senior leaders going into hotspots to address communities and bring about calm.
The honourable Hlabisa MP, continues in the late Prince Buthelezi’s footsteps by recognising the role of Indians in the IFP and community leaders across all sectors of our community. Senior leaders of the IFP are often seen at Indian cultural and religious events to which they are invited.
As the POST turns 70 this year, we, as the Indian community, have been equally blessed to have a dedicated media house that reports on matters affecting our community. The newspaper has played a vital role in providing much-needed information at an affordable price, especially for those who lack access to modern communication tools.
Over the years, the POST has been instrumental in bringing our community together through various initiatives. The ability to advertise cultural and religious events that resonate within our community is something we deeply appreciate. I look forward to the continued success of the POST and the relationship it has enjoyed with the IFP.
I hope that our partnership only strengthens, given our shared values, and I encourage its readers to reach out to the IFP to explore ways in which we can be of assistance.
Les Govender is an MP and member of the National Council of the IFP
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.