KZN coalition crisis: NFP rejects GPU multiparty talks over IFP ‘snub’

A key meeting called to resolve the tensions in the government of provincial unity has been scuppered by the IFP’s “snub” of the National Freedom Party (NFP).

The meeting had been called by the DA after it met with the NFP a few days ago. It was meant to bring together all partners of the government of provincial unity to resolve the challenges that had led to the NFP walking away from this political arrangement.

The failure of these two parties to meet had left the other members of the GPU perplexed.

In response to that call, the NFP has written to the DA informing it that it cannot take part in that meeting until it has held a one-on-one meeting with the IFP. The NFP stated that it had called for a meeting between the two parties but had been snubbed by the IFP. The two parties have not met despite being central to the GPU.

In a letter to the DA, the NFP said: “Having considered your proposal for a multiparty meeting involving the IFP, DA, ANC, and NFP, we wish to respond with clarity and conviction. As pronounced previously, the NFP has resolved to meet with GPU partners individually to explain the reasons for our withdrawal from the GPU. We are grateful that both the ANC and the DA responded positively to this call. However, it is regrettable that the IFP has not extended the same courtesy, which we interpret as a disregard for the importance of engaging directly with the NFP.”

“We further note with concern that the IFP has publicly declared its intention to pursue bilateral engagements with the EFF to join the GPU. In their media pronouncements, the IFP has downplayed the significance of the NFP's withdrawal, suggesting that it poses no threat or consequence to the GPU. Such utterances, in our view, reflect a continued undermining of the NFP and its leadership.”

In light of these developments, the NFP said it will await the conclusion of the IFP-EFF bilateral engagements before participating in any proposed multiparty meeting.

“It would be inconsistent and contradictory for the NFP to attend a meeting where the IFP is present without first having the opportunity to engage them directly on a one-on-one basis. The NFP must remain precise and principled in its resolutions, ensuring that our actions reflect integrity, consistency, and fidelity to our values.”

An NFP leader reiterated the party's frustration with the IFP, saying they found their conduct disrespectful.

“We have extended an invitation to the IFP to meet, but we have not had a response. The closest we received was an SMS from one of the IFP leaders to the NFP president. We told the leader, Ivan Barnes, to ignore that message, as the IFP should have communicated directly with the party leadership.

“That is the level of disrespect that the IFP has towards us; they have this big brother mentality, believing that with our one seat, we are nothing. We are feeling extremely disrespected by the party in this matter,” said the leader.

He added that the NFP’s arms remain open, stating they have a bone to pick with the IFP. He clarified that this is not about what has been claimed, that their president wanted to be mayor of Zululand.

He explained that after the agreement was reached to form the GPU, there was an understanding that the parties would come together again to discuss how to work together at local government, but that never happened.

The party leader warned that the IFP had until March to resolve the issue or risk Premier Thami Ntuli being recalled. “Our stance to date has not changed; come March, if the MKP submits the motion of no confidence, we will support it.”

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY