The IFP and ANC have reiterated their commitment to the partnership in the KwaZulu-Natal government of provincial unity (GPU), despite growing tensions between the two parties. Rumours that IFP Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi was abusing his position to weaken ANC-led municipalities were the root cause of tensions between the IFP and ANC.
Following the IFP’s motion of no confidence in ANC uMkhanyakude mayor Siphile Mdaka, who was later ousted from office, relations deteriorated. Comfort Khumalo, an IFP councillor, has subsequently taken his seat. Mdaka’s dismissal was a “defining moment” in the two parties’ relationship, according to ANC provincial task team (PTT) coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu, but the ANC remained dedicated to the GPU.
“But as the ANC, we have stated that we cannot permit any of our partners in the GPU to use coalition members as weapons,” he stated. “The ANC and IFP should get together and work out some of the most recent developments in that regard.” Differences between the two parties shouldn’t be seen as a danger to the GPU, according to KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, who is also the provincial chairwoman of the IFP. “Disputes occasionally occur in any coalition government. “For us, the most crucial thing is to sit down and settle disagreements whenever they arise.
“That’s what will occur,” Ntuli declared. As the KZN Legislature got ready to consider a motion of no confidence in Ntuli, which was put forth by the MK Party, the conflict between the IFP and ANC surfaced. Although there were rumours that the ANC might back the resolution put out by the MK Party, Mabuyakhulu stated that the ANC had not spoken about it.
He declared, “The ANC has no position on it at this time.” The motion, according to Ntuli, was “uncalled for” and intended to thwart the GPU’s attempts to stabilise the provincial government. “The GPU has drawn R80 billion in investments since its founding, and another R90 billion is anticipated to enter the province in the coming weeks. “In the battle against crime and corruption, the GPU has achieved amazing strides. KwaZulu-Natal residents are able to observe the difference.
Since the MK Party stated early on that the GPU would not last three months, we are not shocked by the motion. “The fact is that it has been in place for over a year, and I have no doubt that it will serve out its five-year term,” he stated.
Edited by Matlala Kgaugelo
