Hon Chairperson, the IFP has noted with grave concern the fact that a recent government function once again led to the blurring of the boundary between the state and the ruling party. The Youth Day event hosted by government on the East Rand on 16 June 2009 is the case in point.
By only inviting the ANC Youth League leader, Julius Malema, to speak at the Youth Day celebration, which was also addressed by state President Jacob Zuma, the ANC has once again misused taxpayers' money to promote the political agenda of the ruling party instead of using the platform to promote a national youth agenda.
The IFP believes that the blurring of the boundary between the state and the ruling party is not only unacceptable, but is increasingly threatening our young democracy. Our Constitution is very clear about the duties and responsibilities of the national executive, and the IFP believes that this House needs the assurance that we will not have a situation again where the ANC is allowed to abuse its power.
Each of us in this Chamber today has a duty to uphold not only the interests of our different political parties represented here, but also the tenets of our democracy and the interests of the country that we are elected to represent.
We must demand of our government, our Cabinet and our President to act in a nonpartisan manner at all times when it comes to government events so as to build a united country and nation. Failing this, our democracy is in threat. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]