Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
21 June 2024 | 16:20 CAT

New KZN premier Thami Ntuli, the IFP’s provincial chairperson. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers

The IFP’s pivotal role in the National Government of Unity (GNU) is yielding significant results, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where the party’s Thami Ntuli was elected as the Premier.

Ntuli wasted no time in implementing substantial changes to the provincial government, a move that saw the retention of some old ANC MECs and the introduction of new ones from the IFP, the DA and the NFP.

Almost as expected, the MKP’s Kwazi Mbanjwa said the party had approached the courts to nullify the election of Ntuli as premier. He added that the party has evidence that the processes were flouted during his election as Premier on Friday.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, the IFP President, Velenkosini Hlabisa, explains that joining the GNU comes from the decision made by South Africans.

“The voters on the 29th of May did not give anyone a majority to govern South Africa alone, they said political parties should find each other, get a common ground and take our country forward,”

Our presence in the GNU is not a show of support for the ANC, DA, or any other party. We are here solely in the interest and mandate of the people of South Africa,” Hlabisa asserts.

Hlabisa highlighted the discussions on joining the GNU, especially the considerations in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The IFP took an initiative to engage political parties of which progress was made with the ANC and the DA, at a later stage including the NFP,” Hlabisa pointed out.

While the engagements entailed numerous challenges, as the process unfolded, political parties eventually became sober in their engagement to find a solution, highlighting the intricate nature of the political landscape.

“I have unwavering confidence that the GNU is going to work. The people of South Africa gave political parties a clear mandate, which is to work together and take our country forward. I have complete trust in all political parties, we know there is no time for failure,” Hlabisa asserts, instilling optimism in South Africa about the future of the country.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany here.