Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
12 August 2023 | 14:17 CAT

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa – Image: Facebook

The 18 IFP leaders in KwaZulu-Natal, who signed a petition asking for the removal of party president Velenkosini Hlabisa, have admitted to making a mistake and apologized to the party.

Reports of faction fighting within the party emerged at the weekend when it was reported that 20 party officials, mostly councillors and some national council members, planned to remove Hlabisa. While it seems 18 have apologized, two are believed to have distanced themselves from the petition.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, IFP’s national spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said the issue of the party’s president never arose and was never an agenda item.

“The petition was rigged and the National Council Colleagues who have been called in had met with the NEC for the purpose of clarification regarding issues that were raised,” says Hlengwa.

According to Hhelngwa, the details surrounding the petition included two issues. The branding of the party, which the NEC has already concluded that the 2019 conference resolution remains intact. Secondly, it was to ensure that the party was election ready and the process of branch inauguration.

“There are no disputes about leadership, there is no vote of confidence on the table against the leadership. The petition does not meet the constitutional master and the petitionors have apologized to the party for the public anxiety caused. It was really house-keeping matters while we are confident, they have been raised in good faith and were constructive, meaningful engagement with colleagues,” he adds.

Listen to the full interview with Moulana Shuayb Lasanya on The Daily Roundup.