By Dylan Bettencourt
- The National Freedom Party says it has lost trust in the ANC–IFP coalition running KwaZulu-Natal, warning it has failed to serve the people.
- Jacob Zuma’s MK Party could take control of the province as secret talks with the ANC and IFP increase behind the scenes.
The Government of Provincial Unity in KwaZulu-Natal is close to falling apart after the National Freedom Party said it no longer trusts its partners in power.
The coalition, formed between the ANC and IFP after the election, has been rocked by fights over control of municipalities and growing mistrust between leaders.
The Sunday Times reports that both the ANC and IFP are secretly talking to Jacob Zuma’s MK Party in case the coalition collapses. Zuma’s party already has 38 seats in the provincial legislature – just three short of a majority.
The MK Party has filed a motion of no confidence against IFP provincial chairperson and premier Thami Ntuli, hoping to split the alliance and trigger a new power deal.
At the heart of the tension is a turf war over local government control. The ANC accuses the IFP of sidelining its councillors through the department of cooperative governance. The two parties are battling for dominance in municipalities like Dannhauser, uMkhanyakude and Umvoti.
ANC KZN coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu said it is a “defining moment” for the coalition and confirmed plans to meet with the IFP to resolve the crisis.
The NFP, which holds one seat in the legislature, says the government has lost public trust because of “wasteful spending” and expensive overseas trips by the premier. It also accused the ANC and IFP of failing to work together.
An ANC insider told the paper that while national leaders are against working with Zuma, talks have already begun. Some in the IFP have also admitted they may have to engage with the MK Party.
Pictured above: Jacob Zuma
Image source: @MkhontoweSizwex
