The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) announced on Friday that it has rescheduled its policy conference to December 12 and 13, owing to logistical arrangements.

Addressing the media in Durban, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa noted that the conference, which was originally planned for December 8 and 9, will serve as a cornerstone of the party’s democratic process, facilitating the review, refinement and expansion of the IFP’s policy agenda.

“We are committed to policies that address the pressing issues of our time and drive positive change. The IFP is embarking on a crucial journey of policy review and development, underscoring our commitment to shaping a better future for our nation. This is amongst other processes in which we will be formulating our offer in the form of the IFP’s National and Provincial Manifestos,” he said.

Hlabisa highlighted that in preparation for the policy conference, the party’s full extended National Council will meet in Empangeni, in KwaZulu-Natal, this weekend.

“Here, our leadership of party structures will receive the policy drafts for discussion at branches and constituencies. This collective effort underscores the IFP's unwavering dedication to consultative and inclusive governance,” he explained.

He said the IFP was prepared for the upcoming 2024 national and provincial elections.

“As we gear up for this crucial electoral moment, our commitment to ensuring a democratic and inclusive process remains unwavering,” said Hlabisa.

He explained that the party believed in the power of inclusivity and collaboration, forging partnerships with local organisations and civil society to ensure that the voices of all citizens were heard and considered.

“As we move forward, the IFP is excited to engage in healthy democratic competition, contributing to a vibrant and robust electoral landscape. Our focus remains on creating a future where opportunities are accessible to all, where progress is balanced with environmental sustainability, and where every voice matters,” he said.

He noted that the IFP saw the 2024 national and provincial elections as an opportunity to present its vision for a “brighter tomorrow” and to work collaboratively to achieve it.

The party announced that it would officially launch its highly anticipated community engagement campaign, "Kungawe - It's About You", which is designed to strengthen connections with the party’s community members, promote active citizenship, and empower individuals to actively participate in the democratic process.

The campaign will focus on community dialogue by providing platforms for open and constructive conversations where community members can share their concerns, ideas and aspirations for their neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

PARTY’S NEW STRUCTURES

Meanwhile, Hlabisa was on Thursday sworn in as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, filling the vacancy that arose owing to the passing of IFP founder and President Emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

On Monday, the IFP National Executive Committee announced that the vacancy in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, owing to the resignation of the IFP president will be filled by Reverend Musa Zondi.

The Leader of the Official Opposition in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature will now be the national chairperson Blessed Gwala, who was the Chief Whip of the Official Opposition.

The Chief Whip of the Official Opposition will now be the deputy national chairperson Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

ISRAEL–PALESTINE CONFLICT

The IFP firmly believes in using diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, while respecting the rights and aspirations of both parties.

“Our stance on the conflict in Gaza is founded on the principles of peace, justice and respect for the rights and aspirations of all parties involved. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian suffering it inflicts on innocent civilians in the region,” said Hlabisa.

The IFP advocates for a two-State solution that recognises the right of Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination within secure and internationally recognised borders.

“This solution should be achieved through diplomatic negotiations, and we encourage both parties to return to the negotiating table with an open mind and genuine commitment to finding a lasting peace,” said the IFP.

The IFP urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that exacerbate tensions, also calling for international involvement, including the United Nations and regional organisations, to play an active role in mediating the conflict and ensuring that the agreed-upon peace process is fair and equitable.