Successor nominated as IFP's Mangosuthu Buthelezi steps down
The IFP's Mangosuthu Buthelezi has announced that he will step down as party leader.
Buthelezi will remain at the party's helm until its next elective conference - expected to be held in December. The 89-year-old made the announcement in Durban yesterday.
The Extended National Council has nominated Hlabisa mayor, Velenkosi Hlabisa to stand for the party's presidency.
Buthelezi, who has led the IFP since its inception in 1975, said it's well-known that he wants to retire.
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"Hlabisa is a leader of integrity who has served the party with distinction. He has brought support from our structures. We therefore support his nomination," he says.
#IFP #Hlabisa says his nomination does not mean that he is the current leader. pic.twitter.com/GH9KOYBnJe
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) October 29, 2017
He says other party members can still throw their names into the hat at the elective conference.
"The Extended National Council opened the floor to all our leaders to indicate whether they wish to stand for nomination.We did nto receive any indication from among our leaders. Thus, Mr. Hlabisa stands as our only nominee," he says.
Addressing reporters yesterday, Hlabisa said he has accepted the nomination.
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