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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.