The ANCYL in KwaZulu-Natal has accused IFP provincial chair Thami Ntuli of using the death of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to boost his ambitions for the premiership of the province in the 2024 elections.

Ntuli’s recent call for the ANC-led government to install a statue of Buthelezi at the Provincial Legislature in Pietermaritzburg, next to that of King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, has ruffled feathers.

The ANCYL said: “In his dreams, Thami Ntuli visualises himself as the premier. So engrossed in this illusion, he forgets the IFP’s regional status, making such a fantasy suitable only for its President, Velenkosini Hlabisa.”

Sthembiso Ndlovu, the ANCYL’s task team spokesperson, urged Hlabisa to rein in Ntuli and said he should demand an apology from him for “exploiting” Buthelezi’s passing.

Ndlovu challenged the proposal of honouring Buthelezi with a statue at the legislature.

Responding to the allegations, Ntuli said: “The IFP Youth Brigade is best suited to address these baseless claims. My proposal for a statue in Buthelezi’s honour was devoid of any political manoeuvring.”

The IFP Youth Brigade’s national chairperson, Sanele Zondo, responding to the ANCYL’s accusations, said: “It’s heartening that [the] ANC’s youth wing concedes the next KZN Premier will be from IFP. However, it’s the IFP’s national executive committee that will determine our premier candidate.”

Pictured above: IFP Provincial Chair Thami Ntuli addresses attendees at Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s memorial service

Image Source: Supplied