Stability in KwaZulu-Natal: IFP denies crisis in Government of Provincial Unity
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial cabinet. The IFP has dismissed claims that there is a crisis in the Government of Provincial Unity.
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The IFP says the coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal remains stable under the leadership of Premier Thami Ntuli and there was no “crisis”.
The party was responding, in a statement on Monday, to the reports regarding tensions between the party and the ANC, which are both in the Government of Provincial Unity along with the DA and the NFP.
The ANC has also ditched the IFP as a coalition partner in the Umvoti Local Municipality. Last week, the ANC together with the Philani Mavundla-led Abantu Batho Congress (ABC), ousted IFP mayor Gabriel Malembe and replaced him with the ABC’s Mfundo Masondo.
There have also been reports that the NFP wants to leave the coalition and that it would support the motion of no confidence that the MK Party has tabled against Ntuli.
The IFP said its National Executive Committee met on Monday and wanted to address the reports.
“The IFP reaffirms its full and unwavering support and confidence in the IFP-led Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) under the leadership of Premier Thami Ntuli. The province of KwaZulu-Natal remains stable, and the GPU continues to govern effectively in the collective interest of all the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
“The provincial government is delivering on its mandate of ensuring service delivery, good governance, and social cohesion.”
The party also categorically rejected media reports of a cabinet reshuffle in which Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi would be removed as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and placed in another portfolio.
It said there was “no reshuffle agreement” made and cautioned against the spread of misinformation.
“The IFP will continuously engage constructively with all our GPU partners to ensure the long-term viability, functionality, and stability of the Government of Provincial Unity. We remain guided by the principles of cooperation, mutual respect, and accountability, which are foundational to the success of this unity arrangement.
“The IFP assures the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa at large that there is no crisis within the GPU. The government remains focused, united, and committed to the work of improving the lives of our people, growing the provincial economy, strengthening service delivery, and restoring confidence in ethical and effective governance.”