IFP wants to be celebrated as one of the architectures of South Africa’s democracy

DURBAN - The  Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) says it wants to be celebrated as one of the architectures of South Africa’s democracy as it celebrates 50 years this year.

The party officially launched its 50th-anniversary celebration programme in Durban on Monday.

Celebrations will take place over the next few months -with the first, being a prayer service on 21 March. 

“During the formation of the government in 1994, the IFP became part of the architectures of the future of South Africa post-apartheid.”

READ: IFP will hold its National Elective Conference for new leadership in 2025

This year marks 50 years since Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Inkatha Freedom Party was formed.

Its current president Velenkosi Hlabisa said the party’s 50th commemoration seeks to celebrate the party as one of those who contributed to the country’s liberation.

However, he admits the party also saw dark times.

“The IFP saw good and bad times, there were times of violence which nearly marked the non-existent of the IFP.”

The party will hold its main anniversary rally in Ulundi in March.