IFP calls for National Dialogue to address unresolved CODESA issues

JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said the National Dialogue must answer questions left unanswered by the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) talks, including the issue of land restitution.

The party’s leadership was in attendance on Friday at the UNISA main campus in Pretoria for the National Dialogue Convention.

The Convention serves to develop a framework for how the dialogues will be conducted throughout the country over the next few months.

During the early 90s, the IFP reluctantly participated in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa.

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The party was unsuccessful in its demands for independent provinces in South Africa and traditional leaders being the custodians of land.

IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said the party will be retabling these issues at the national dialogue.

“We know our country is experiencing a high rate of poverty, inequality and unemployment. If you look closely, the causes of these things, which need a deep discussion, the issue of land was not properly resolved during CODESA. The issue of the roles, functions and responsibilities of amakhosi, the traditional leaders remained unresolved at CODESA. The issues of powers and functions between provinces, which talk to our constitution, was not completely resolved in CODESA, according to IFP submissions.”

On the two Government of National Unity (GNU) parties that have pulled from participating in the national dialogue, Hlabisa says the event must go on without them.