Date: 06/05/2009

Source: Inkatha Freedom Party

Title: IFP: Buthelezi: Speech by the leader of the IFP congratulating Jacob Zuma on his election as President in Parliament

On behalf of the IFP, I wish to add my and my Party's felicitations to the
President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr Zuma. We wish the President
strength and wisdom which can only come from our Almighty Father.

We have gone through many trials together, particularly in the part of South
Africa from which we both hail. After our discussions earlier this year and
also yesterday, as well as my chat with the Deputy President of the ANC, His
Excellency Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, I do hope that we can complete the unfinished
task of reconciliation between our two organisations in the interests of our
people and South Africa.

With the President's track record of peace-making in Africa, we hope that the
time may have come to end once and for all the depression of national spirit
that has afflicted our country for too long. Nothing makes me so sad as to see
the depth of the chasm that still divides us, even in the very twilight of my
years.

The President has, like me, lived amongst the poor all his life and we both
recognise that the biggest challenge we face is the banishment of the poverty
of our people in rural areas, as well as in the squatter areas and in urban
townships, and amongst all South Africans of all races. Our greatest primary
task is therefore to put people to work.

I realise that this task cannot be accomplished without sacrifices and changes
in our mindset because of the conflicts of the past. We hope that this is the
time for the country to unite around a common purpose, if this nation is to
fulfil its destiny. This will demand courage, sacrifices and devotion from all
of us, collectively.

On behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party we wish you, Msholozi, every blessing as
you fulfil your destiny to lead our country at this time.