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The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Inkatha Freedom Party convened its ordinary meeting in Durban on Monday, 08 December 2025, to deliberate on urgent national matters and reflect on South Africa’s broader governance trajectory. The IFP remains unwavering in its commitment to serve the people of South Africa with integrity, accountability, and a clear vision for stability and progress. As a Party entrusted with significant public responsibility, we will continue to offer principled leadership rooted in our values and in service of national unity and development.  

1. Condemnation of the Saulsville Hostel Mass Shooting

The IFP condemns in the strongest possible terms the senseless and brutal killing of 12 people and the attempted murder of 13 others at the Saulsville Hostel in Pretoria. Such violence has no place in a constitutional democracy and signals a profound threat to community safety and social cohesion. We urge the South African Police Service (SAPS) to work tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and that justice is served without delay.

Furthermore, the proliferation of illegal firearms continues to fuel violent crime in our communities. We therefore call for intensified operations to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen long-term strategies to remove illegal weapons from circulation. Our communities deserve peace, protection, and a state that acts decisively against lawlessness.  

2. Murder of Witness D in the Madlanga Commission

The IFP is deeply disturbed by the killing of Witness D, Mr Marius van der Merwe, who courageously testified before the Madlanga Commission. His murder is not only a tragic loss of life but a direct assault on the pursuit of truth and justice.

We call on SAPS to prioritise this investigation and ensure swift arrests—not only of the hitmen but of those who orchestrated this heinous act. The intimidation of whistle-blowers erodes public trust and threatens the very foundations of accountability.

We further urge the Madlanga Commission to remain resolute and unshaken by attempts to undermine its work. The IFP reiterates its full support for the Commission and for all individuals who come forward in defence of transparency and justice.  

3. Support for Premier Thami Ntuli Ahead of Motion of No Confidence

The IFP reaffirms its full confidence in the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Hon. Thami Ntuli, ahead of the baseless motion of no confidence brought by the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP). This motion represents a reckless attempt to destabilise the province at a time when KZN requires focused governance and continuity.

Under Premier Ntuli’s leadership, KwaZulu-Natal has made notable strides, including securing R100 billion in investment—signifying investor confidence in the province’s stability and direction.

If the MKP truly believes it has legitimate concerns, it should submit them to the appropriate oversight bodies rather than resorting to political theatrics. Moreover, the MKP must prioritise pressing issues of its own making—especially the safe return of South Africans misled into travelling to Russia to engage in a conflict they neither understood nor consented to.  

4. Reflections on South Africa’s Hosting of the G20 Summit

The IFP applauds South Africa for successfully hosting the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The world witnessed a stable, capable, and engaged South Africa at the centre of global dialogue. This milestone offered a powerful counter-narrative to false claims of instability or constitutional breakdown.

We are encouraged by commitments in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, particularly on issues such as debt relief, climate action, and disaster preparedness. These commitments must now be translated into measurable outcomes that improve the lives of South Africans.

We further reject the recent erratic behaviour demonstrated by the United States in the run-up to G20 2026. No member state has the authority to redefine the G20’s membership or purpose at its whim. South Africa is a founding member of the G20 in its own right, and therefore we do not hold G20 membership as favour.

We must defend South Africa’s sovereignty and dignity against falsehoods and propaganda.

5. South Africans Trapped in Ukraine After Recruitment to Russia

The IFP expresses heartfelt sympathy to the South Africans who were deceived into travelling to Russia under false pretences of receiving security training, only to find themselves trapped in Ukraine.

We call on government to intensify and accelerate diplomatic and logistical efforts to repatriate these individuals. Beyond their safe return, affected families must receive psychological and social support to rebuild their lives after this traumatic experience. Accountability processes must continue, and those responsible for exploiting vulnerable citizens must face the full might of the law.  

6. 16 Days of Activism: From Rhetoric to Real Action

As the country observes the 2025 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the IFP emphasises the urgent need to move from symbolic gestures to sustained, measurable action. Violence against women and children remains one of South Africa’s gravest human rights crises.

We welcome the declaration of GBV and Femicide as a National Disaster, a long-overdue acknowledgment of the scale of the emergency. However, this designation must unlock increased funding, capacity, and coordination—not remain a political slogan.

The IFP reiterates its long-standing call for specialised GBVF courts, stronger protective mechanisms, community-based reporting systems free of intimidation, and the dismantling of harmful cultural practices—including forced or arranged marriages—that perpetuate abuse. Every South African has a moral and constitutional duty to protect the vulnerable.  

7. Preparing for the 2026 Local Government Elections

The IFP is intensifying preparations for the 2026 local government elections, guided by our commitment to responsible governance, cleaner administration, and improved service delivery.

We continue to monitor IFP-led municipalities to ensure they meet the highest standards of accountability and developmental planning. Branch inaugurations across the country are being aligned with election readiness, with a firm focus on converting branches into operational election committees.

The IFP remains committed to offering South Africans a credible, ethical, and people-centred alternative in local governance.  

8. Final Leg of the IFP 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Preparations are underway for the final leg of the IFP’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in Ngwavuma, KwaZulu-Natal, to be led by IFP President Hon. Velenkosini Hlabisa, MP.

Ngwavuma holds immense historical importance in IFP heritage. It was here, in 1982, that Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi successfully resisted a government attempt to cede the area to eSwatini, safeguarding the land rights and dignity of its people.

The celebrations will honour the resilience, legacy, and unwavering service of the IFP over five decades, while inspiring a new generation to carry forward the Party’s mission.  

9. Road Safety and Peace During the Festive Season

As the festive season begins, the IFP calls on all communities to prioritise peace, safety, and responsible behaviour. This must be a season of unity and celebration—not conflict or loss.

We urge all road users to adopt safe driving practices. Alcohol abuse remains a major contributor to fatal accidents, and reckless behaviour must be firmly rejected. Every traveller deserves to arrive home safely.

Let this be a season where South Africa chooses harmony over hostility, and responsibility over recklessness.  

Issued by IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa