IFP Youth Brigade rejects ‘black-on-black violence’ label as party marks 50 years
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Youth Brigade has called for a shift in how the party is perceived, arguing that it should not be defined by its past associations with black-on-black violence.
As the IFP marked its 50-year anniversary on Sunday, March 17, at the Prince Mangosuthu Stadium in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate the party’s legacy and its contributions to South Africa’s liberation movement.
However, despite the IFP’s achievements, some critics continue to link the party to the violent political conflicts that plagued South Africa during the late 20th century.
IFP Youth Brigade Speaks Out Against “Distorted History”
The IFP Youth Brigade, the party’s younger leadership, is pushing back against this perception, asserting that the historical narrative has been distorted and that the IFP has always been an advocate for peace and non-violence.
IFP Youth Brigade
Speaking on the matter, IFP Youth Brigade Secretary-General Mlungisi Mabaso said the party has been unfairly portrayed as a violent organization due to the way history has been recorded.
“All those that have perceived us as a violent organisation do so because of the distortion of history in South Africa. We have never spoken about it or set the record straight, and that is why people still believe the IFP is a violent organisation.”
Mabaso emphasized that violence has never been part of the party’s principles, and that its leadership has always advocated for peace and stability.
A Legacy of Non-Violence
Mabaso further defended the IFP’s track record, citing the party’s role in promoting peace during moments of national crisis.
“Even during the looting, the Prince of KwaPhindangene was on the streets and on the ground calling for peace, urging people not to loot.”
The reference to the 2021 unrest and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng highlights the party’s commitment to stability and social order. During the widespread violence and destruction, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the party’s late founder, publicly condemned the looting and called for calm and discipline.
The IFP maintains that it has never promoted violence, and instead, has been a key player in South Africa’s journey to democracy.
Carrying Forward Buthelezi’s Legacy
The 50th anniversary of the IFP was also a time for reflection on the legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who founded the party in 1975 and led it for nearly five decades.
The IFP remains committed to honoring Buthelezi’s vision, with the party’s leadership pledging to carry forward his work.
Despite his passing in 2023, Buthelezi remains a towering figure in South African politics, recognized for his role in negotiating a peaceful transition to democracy in the early 1990s.
The IFP leadership assured supporters that the party will remain dedicated to the values he championed: peace, democracy, and ethical leadership.
A New Era for the IFP?
While the IFP Youth Brigade is working to reshape the party’s image, the challenge remains: overcoming historical perceptions and proving that the modern IFP is different from the one involved in the violent political conflicts of the past.
The party has taken steps to rebrand itself as a progressive political force, focusing on issues such as youth empowerment, economic development, and social justice.
The upcoming 2024 national elections will be a critical test for the IFP, as it seeks to expand its influence beyond KwaZulu-Natal and solidify its role in national politics.
Looking Ahead
As the IFP marks 50 years in South African politics, the debate over its historical role continues.
While critics still associate the party with past violence, its youth wing insists that the IFP has been unfairly misrepresented and remains committed to peace and development.
With the legacy of Buthelezi as its foundation, the party is now focused on the future—hoping to reshape its public image, strengthen its political standing, and inspire a new generation of supporters.
