IFP's Oriani-Ambrosini diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer

Inkatha Freedom Party MP Mario Oriani-Ambrosini disclosed that he is suffering from inoperable lung cancer.

"Suddenly, and without significant prior symptoms, two days before the secrecy bill debate on April 23, I received a diagnosis of stage four lung cancer, which has extensively metastasised throughout my pleura," he said in a statement.

"The condition is terminal and not operable, and, if left untreated, will cause me to be removed from all lists for Christmas functions or gifts."

Oriani-Ambrosini said he had rejected chemotherapy as a treatment option, as it would extend his life expectancy by only a few months and would cause severe side-effects.

"The medical-pharmaceutical establishment cannot identify the cause of my cancer nor propose an effective cure," he said.

"None of this is acceptable to me."

Ambrosini said he had opted to pursue treatment based on "different science", without giving further details.

"I count on achieving a cure in three months and will then return to my parliamentary work.

"If my gamble is successful, I plan to dedicate a great portion of my future political and professional life on the fight to eradicate cancer as a cause of death.

"If I fail, I hope that what I tried to do for democracy in South Africa and elsewhere will be appreciated."

Ambrosini said he had been receiving the "different" treatment for a while.

"At this point, I shall not speak or vouch for such a treatment, nor discredit it. My death or survival will do so."