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The IFP has called on the ANC to refrain from hate speech following a
vitriolic attack on the IFP by Gauteng Premier, Ms Nomvula Nonkonyana, on
Sunday.

Speaking at a gathering in Umlazi in Durban, which rapidly turned into a
scuffle between IFP and ANC supporters, the Gauteng Premier called the IFP
"a dead snake".

"This kind of name calling is not new to the ANC," said IFP National
Organiser Albert Mncwango MP, recalling how President Jacob Zuma referred to
former President Mbeki as "a dead snake" in September 2008 when ANC members
were agitating to remove President Mbeki from office.

At the time President Zuma said there was no point in continuing to beat a
dead snake. But ANC Youth League President, Mr Julius Malema, retorted "In
my culture, if a snake is dead you must burn it and bury the ashes to make
sure the snake is dead." (22 November 2008, Weekender)

"This kind of hate speech can only stir tensions," said Mncwango. "Although
we condemn violence of any kind, it is understandable that some IFP
supporters became agitated during Sunday's gathering. We call on our members
to remain disciplined. But we also call on the ANC to stop their
inflammatory hate speech."

Mncwango added that the SAPS' actions on Sunday were reprehensible, which
added to the tensions.

"We have received reports that the Police launched an unprovoked attack on
IFP supporters. Our members were injured in full view of the Independent
Complaints Directorate (ICD), which was present in Umlazi to monitor the
Police's actions. No amount of tension justified the Police's repulsive
behaviour, and we are urgently seeking answers from Commissioner Bheki Cele
as to why IFP supporters were subjected to police brutality, in full view of
those who are expected to stop such abuses," concluded Mncwango.