Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Saturday called on his party's youth to protect his legacy, saying it was a great asset.

"Whatever is done to tarnish and undermine my legacy (it) takes something away from you and future generations," said Buthelezi.

"Do not let anyone do that to you for their own selfish purposes or political ambition."

He was addressing delegates attending the South African Democratic Student's Movement (Sadesmo) conference being held at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Umlazi outside Durban.

Buthelezi's call for the protection of his legacy comes after several youth in the IFP wanted him to leave the position he had held since the 1970s.

The youth blame the IFP leadership, including Buthelezi, for the party?s poor showing during the last general elections.

Three IFP Youth Brigade leaders, Irvin Barnes, Skhumbuzo Khanyeza and Simpiwe Buthelezi were expelled after they led a protest calling for transformation in the party.

The trio were expected to address the youth at Umlazi?s Griffiths Mxenge Hall on Sunday.

"I wish you to ponder very seriously (about) my own legacy and to whom it belongs," said Buthelezi.

"My legacy is a great asset but it is not mine. My legacy will only have value as it will be used by all of you as a source of inspiration, guidance and renewal of ideas and spirit."

Buthelezi, whose position will be up for grabs when the IFP holds its elective national conference later this year, urged delegates to defend the legacy they would inherit from him.

"My legacy is not mine, but yours. Because it is yours, I urge you to consider very carefully what you are going to do with it and how you are treating it,? he said.

Lobbying for IFP positions intensified in the past few months as speculation mounted that Buthelezi would quit the position he has held for more than 30 years.

The names of IFP general secretary Reverend Musa Zondi and IFP national chairwoman Zanele Magwaza-Msibi have been raised as preferred candidates for the party's presidency.