During the years when apartheid banned black people from staying in hotels in Durban, Prince Buthelezi and his wife often stayed at the home of the late Dr Mohamed Mayat and his wife, Zuleikha, as well as at the home of Pat and Sakunthalay Poovalingham. Among his many good friends in the IFP, many occupied leadership roles within the IFP and continue to do so to date.

In my 23 years in the IFP and working closely with Prince Buthelezi and senior leadership from all structures of the party, I felt most welcome and respected. I recall that at every national council meeting, Prince Buthelezi would insist that the meetings must commence with a reading from the Bible, Bhagavad Gita and the Qur'an – thus speaking to being a party that includes and respects all sectors of the community.

Prince Buthelezi had always acknowledged the role that Indian people have played in South Africa’s transformation and liberation.

He once stated: "Many have done so much for the upliftment of black people in this province... I feel intensely the absence of my friend and mentor, Swamiji Sahajananda of the Divine Life Society, after such a long relationship spanning several decades.”

This ethos of respect and inclusivity continues under the leadership of IFP President, Honourable VF Hlabisa MP. One of the most senior positions in the IFP is occupied by the Hononourable Narend Singh, who is entrusted with being the treasurer general of the party and a member of the National Executive Committee.

The IFP’s faith and trust in leaders of Indian origin sees Narend Singh serving as Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, myself as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, and many councillors in municipalities across KwaZulu-Natal.

Singh, Councillor Abbas Warasally and I also serve on the National Council of the IFP, which is the highest decision-making body in between conferences. Such appointments demonstrate the IFP’s commitment to always be a home for all South Africans regardless of race, culture or disposition.

Over the years we have welcomed Prince Buthelezi and many senior leaders, including President Hlabisa and KZN Premier AT Ntuli, into Chatsworth, Phoenix, Umkomaas and other areas on many occasions to engage with our community. In the spirit of inclusivity in 2019, the IFP launched its manifesto at the Chatsworth Stadium, which saw thousands of supporters of different race groups gather and listen to our leadership, including Prince Buthelezi.

ifp turns 50

Celebrating 50 years of the Inkatha Freedom Party