Racial tensions in Phoenix 'brewing for years' - Buthelezi
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founding president Mangosuthu Buthelezi says the stoking of racial tensions in Phoenix in northern Durban didn't start with the civil unrest.
He's was speaking in the area's Gandhi Park on Monday where he was leading an IFP election campaign.
Buthelezi said the tensions have been brewing for years due to statements made by politicians seeking to divide the people for the sake of cementing a power base.
Phoenix became a focal point during and following the riots in July.
Thirty-six people were killed there in violence alleged to have been racially motivated.
The IFP's national campaign chairperson Narend Singh said it's important for the party to be there.
"The president Emeritus, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has led from the front with promoting social cohesion and harmony amongst all communities in South Africa.
"Also, during the recent unrest in July he was was one of the first national leaders to call for peace and calm, military deployment and to speak against vigilantism and any illegal acts. So the people of Phoenix and the leadership here requested that he come in person."
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