The IFP national policy conference has moved to back federalised police system where provinces are equipped with more powers to make policing decisions.
The party’s conference is being held in Empangeni, northern KwaZulu-Natal and more than 500 delegates from across the country are in attendance.
The party believes if the idea materialises, it would reduce crime and create safer communities. It also proposed that the State Security Agency (SSA) should be removed from the Presidency to avert political interference and increase more accountability.
SSA must be divorced from Presidency
“SSA is currently housed in the Presidency. Our view is that it should be outside of the executive for checks and balances,” said party spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
Hlengwa was briefing the media about some of the resolutions taken during commissions’ deliberations.
The party had convened for two days to adopt policies that the IFP government will advance should it receive the nod from voters to rise to power.
Blessed Gwala, the party’s national chairperson, pointed out that devolution of powers in the SA Police Service will ensure that provincial commissioners have sufficient powers to call the shots within their respective provinces.
“Currently the powers are vested within the national commissioner and minister [of police],” said Gwala.
“The provinces have no powers to decide on critical matters of policing and this stifles crime-fighting. Powers must also be given to districts.”
Gwala added that more police stations should be built in rural areas for close proximity and accessibility.
Last conference held 10 years ago
The party is holding the national policy conference for the first time since the passing of its founder and president-emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The IFP last held a policy conference more than 10 years ago.
Addressing delegates on Tuesday, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa explained that the country was seized with new challenges that needed new solutions.
“Policies must evolve because needs evolve, and new challenges emerge that demand solutions. We cannot rely on the upswing support we have received in the past,” said Hlabisa.
He said the 49-year-old party will not sell a pipe dream to South Africans by advocating for radical economic policies.
Hlabisa said it was the flawed ideology by the governing ANC that had put the country under the economic doldrums and scared away investors.
