IFP ACCEPTS PARLIAMENTARIAN'S DECISION TO RESIGN

It was with deep regret that the National Council of the Inkatha Freedom Party, which met in Ulundi during the weekend of 4-5 August 2012, was forced to unanimously accept the offer made by its Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and former Deputy National Organizer Mr Ephraim Sipho Mbatha to resign from the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature with effect from the end of July 2012.

In addition, the National Council unanimously resolved to expel Mr Mbatha from the party with immediate effect.

Serious allegations emerged against Comrade Mbatha, which portrayed him as someone who disloyal to the party, who used IFP resources to assist someone who was canvassing support for another political party. Further, allegations went to suggest that he was discrediting the IFP and promoting disloyalty in the party among some members.

The National Council then invited Cde Mbatha to appear before it to give his version on the allegations, and thus clear his name. On the first occasion his attorney informed the National Council that he was no able to attend. The date was then moved to August 4. Assurances were received from his attorney that he would attend.

In the interim, Cde Mbatha wrote to our President and, among other things, he offered to resign from the Legislature with effect from the end of July 2012.

Unfortunately, however, when the day for Cde Mbatha's hearing arrived, they were nowhere to be seen and there was no report on why they had not honoured the invitation to appear before the National Council.

The National Council then proceeded with the case in his absence. After examining all the evidence presented and Cde Mbatha's offer to resign from the Legislature, the National Council unanimously came to the conclusion that expulsion was the only correct decision to take.

Once again, may I reiterate that the IFP was deeply saddened to come to this finality, which was however unavoidable given the circumstances. We wish to take the opportunity to thank Cde Mbatha for the contribution he made to the IFP. We also wish him all the best in whatever endeavour he may involve himself in.

Statement issued by Mbongeleni Joshua Mazibuko, IFP Deputy National Spokesperson, August 5 2012

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter