IFP rejects NFP's coalition claims, cautions against 'unstable' MKP leadership in KZN
The Inkatha Freedom Party national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa (right) warns against the uMkhonto weSizwe Party leading the KwaZulu-Natal legislature citing its high leadership turnover as a sign of instability. On the left is Nhlanhla Msimango the IFP's caucus chair and Blessed Gwala, the national chairperson.
Image: Sipho Jack
The leadership of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has denied claims that it ever promised National Freedom Party (NFP) president Ivan Barnes the position of mayor of the Zululand Local Municipality during coalition talks two years ago.
IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the party did not renege on any undertaking to Barnes after assuming leadership of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal, insisting that no such promise was ever made.Hlengwa was speaking at the IFP’s weekly briefing in Durban on Wednesday, following the NFP’s recent decision to withdraw from the GPU in KwaZulu-Natal.
The NFP cited a range of concerns, including alleged corruption, a lack of accountability and a breakdown of trust within the coalition.
Among the reasons advanced by the NFP was the claim that the IFP had promised that the provincial coalition arrangement would cascade to municipalities across the province. The NFP said it had sought for its president to be appointed mayor of the Zululand Local Municipality.
At the time, the mayoral position was vacant following the resignation of Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who had been appointed MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Hlengwa confirmed that the NFP had pushed for a coalition arrangement in Zululand but stressed that no agreement was reached and no promises were made.
The IFP is denying that it promised National Freedom Party president Ivan Barnes the Zululand mayoral position during coalition negotiations in 2024 following the results of the national and provincial elections.
Image: Independent Media Archives
He added that negotiations around the GPU were confined to the provincial sphere and did not extend to municipal governance.He further revealed that the NFP leadership had requested the IFP to approach President Cyril Ramaphosa to secure a Cabinet position for the party.
Although the NFP holds no seats in the National Assembly, the president has the prerogative to appoint up to two Cabinet ministers who are not members of Parliament.
Hlengwa said the request was unsuccessful, but noted that the IFP’s KwaZulu-Natal leadership was continuing engagements with the NFP.
“It is not true that we are arrogant or that we are refusing to negotiate with the NFP,” Hlengwa said.
He also warned GPU partners in KwaZulu-Natal not to be misled by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), stating that the IFP would not allow the province to fall under MKP leadership.
“A lot can go wrong if the province falls into the hands of the MKP,” Hlengwa said.
“Imagine how many premiers would have changed if we were under the MKP. I don’t know how many secretary-generals have been fired by the MKP. Leaders are removed consistently, it is only their leader who has never been removed from his position.”
The NFP is divided on the issue of pulling out of the GPU with Barnes claiming that the party is undermined and his opposing faction which is behind provincial chairperson Mbali Shinga who is the MEC of Social Development wanting the party to stay in the GPU.