ANC warns KZN political instability could threaten integrity of upcoming elections
Party President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for peaceful elections after tensions flared in KwaZulu-Natal between ANC and IFP members on Saturday at an official government event in KwaNongoma.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 110th anniversary commemoration of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo at KwaCeza Sports Field in KwaNongoma on 16 March 2024. Picture: X/KZNGov
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has warned that political instability in KwaZulu-Natal could threaten the integrity of the upcoming general elections.
Tensions flared at the weekend at an official government event commemorating the anniversary of King Dinuzulu’s death.
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AmaZulu Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi was interrupted by ANC KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Siboniso Duma during his address.
During his address, Buthelezi publicly criticised the ANC in the province for disrespecting AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Duma grabbed the microphone from him, accusing the king’s right-hand man of using the event to score political points.
The ANC claimed some of its supporters were targeted and attacked by Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters after the event in KwaNongoma.
Speaking on the sidelines of a door-to-door campaign in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, party President Cyril Ramaphosa called for peaceful elections.
“Obviously, as the ANC, we abhor violence, we are totally against violence and we want these elections to be run on a non-violent basis.
“What happened yesterday [Saturday], we are totally against it. We are investigating it, and police are also looking into it. There will be consequences.”