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"The road we are travelling is painful and sad. But there is no solution in
vengeance." Prince MG Buthelezi, 11/10/2012

There comes a time in the course of history when enough is enough. South
Africa's course of events has landed us at a crossroads, where we either
continue with things as they are or we say enough is enough, and take a path
of peace, tolerance and non-violence.

The recent, and ongoing, political violence and killings in KwaZulu Natal of
IFP, ANC and NFP members must come to an end. Enough is enough.

Eighteen years into our democratic and free dispensation the use of violence
to resolve any conflict or disagreement indicates backwardness and a total
disregard for the rule of law and ubuntu-centered justice.

The IFP Youth Brigade condemns in the strongest possible terms all violence
in general and political killings in particular. We call for calm, peace and
restraint during this trying time, when people have stupidly resorted to
violence and have ignorantly taken it upon themselves to play the man and
not the ball.

We call upon all youth formations of KwaZulu Natal and South Africa to stand
up in a united spirit and reject all forms of violence. As the present and
future custodians of this country it is incumbent on us, the youth, to rid
South Africa of violent tendencies.

No political party benefits from the loss of life. Enough is enough.

Over the past two weeks, the IFP has lost four members at the barrel of the
gun, and law enforcement agencies have been swift to apprehend suspects.
Likewise, other parties have suffered losses both to intra-party and
inter-party violence.

The violence of the past, particularly the low intensity black-on-back civil
war of the early 1990's that claimed the lives of over 20 000 people,
including 400 IFP leaders, should by all measure, standard and conviction
force us to walk the road of peace. We should not recede into the dark times
of pain and grieving. Enough is enough.

This is a time to exercise mature and peace-inducing leadership. Political
leaders should rise above the fray, and desist from petty political rhetoric
of defence. People are dying, families are suffering and responsible
leadership is needed.

We must take the path of condemning violence and embracing peace.

The IFP's President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has often said that we
should not see opponents as enemies. Instead, we should see ourselves as
political opponents who are able to disagree without being disagreeable.

Importantly, we are South Africans who should protect one another, not kill
one another.

The growth and strength of our democracy needs young men and women of
conviction and character to steer South Africa onto the path of peace and
unity in diversity.

God bless South Africa, free us from violence, and grant us peace!