IFP seeks broader discussions to maintain provincial unity amid NFP withdrawal

The IFP is seeking to broaden discussions with other parties in a bid to gain support for the current government of provincial unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal.

The premiership of Thami Ntuli under the GPU is in jeopardy after the National Freedom Party indicated it was pulling out. The party, with its one vote, is a key player in the GPU made up of the ANC, IFP, and the DA. 

Ntuli survived a motion of no confidence in December. In that vote, the sole NFP Member of the Provincial Legislature Mbali Shinga voted with the GPU in defiance of her party's instructions.

IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa said, “The province of KwaZulu-Natal plays an important role in the economy of South Africa as we know that most of our commodities reach the country through the ports of KwaZulu-Natal. So, the stability of the GPU is in the interest of South Africa; that is why the IFP is going to be in constant engagement.”

He said earlier this week, the partners in the GPU had a discussion to make sure that the GPU remains intact.

“Even if the NFP pulls out, it will not mean that the government has automatically collapsed. It will mean there is going to be a deadlock. A deadlock is not good for the country; that is the first argument that we are raising: that the deadlock is not good for the country. Whatever the problem, let us engage. I am confident that the government is going to lead the province until the next election in 2029, ensuring stability and progress.”

He said they will engage with other parties in the province including the EFF.

“We are going to ensure that we open the discussion to the highest leadership of all political parties in KwaZulu-Natal to say that creating instability is taking a province back. Coalition governments are here to stay; we need to learn how to master them,” said Hlabisa.

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