[Photo: News24]

As the seventh administration of the country prepares to take shape under a government of national unity, reports suggest that IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa may be appointed as the second deputy president. This development comes ahead of the opening of Parliament on Friday, where the president and National Assembly speaker will be elected. Talks are ongoing to include Hlabisa in this significant role, signalling a potential shift towards a more inclusive and collaborative political landscape.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo announced that the first sitting of Parliament will take place on Friday, where the president and National Assembly speaker will be elected.

Sources close to negotiations reveal that an ANC-DA-IFP coalition could appoint IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa as a second deputy president. This move would require a constitutional amendment, as the current Constitution allows only one deputy president. Speculation suggests Hlabisa may serve alongside Paul Mashatile.

The talks also involve the DA potentially taking the National Assembly speaker’s role, with strategic ministerial positions up for discussion in the proposed government of national unity.

Political analyst Leonard Mbulle-Nziege stated that we are transitioning into a new political landscape. The circumstances are different now, and for Velenkosini Hlabisa or anyone else to be appointed as the second deputy president, a constitutional amendment is required.

“It would be political suicide for the ANC to remove Paul Mashatile, the current deputy president,” he added.

According to reports, a lot of negotiations are underway with the IFP to establish a potential collaboration.

“The ANC is willing to support the IFP in KZN in order for them to have the majority, and that could potentially lead to a scenario where the IFP supports the ANC at the National level,” he said.

Mbulle-Nziege believes that in Gauteng, which is the ANC’s electoral stronghold, it is highly likely that Premier Panyaza Lesufi will continue in his role.

“Reports suggest that the DA and IFP are going to be working with the ANC in that regard,” he said.

Mbulle-Nziege emphasises that politics is driven by interests; if a package can be assembled that aligns with the interests of the EFF or any other party, then anything is possible.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Political analyst Leonard Mbulle-Nziege, here.