Internal disputes rock KZN parties

POLITICAL parties in KwaZulu-Natal are grappling with internal disputes that could affect their election campaign preparations as the country edges towards the local government elections this year.

- BONGANI HANS

The province's main political players, including the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) leader, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), the ANC, and the National Freedom Party (NFP), were facing varying degrees of leadership tensions and organisational instability.

Within the IFP, comments by the party’s Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, have sparked debate about internal democracy.

Dhlamini recently suggested that party President Velenkos-ini Hlabisa should remain in the position for as long as he wishes, a view that appears to contradict the party's earlier resolution to hold its elective conference in December after the local government elections.

The party previously resolved to postpone its leadership conference to focus on campaigning for the elections, which are expected to take place in November.

Speaking at the funeral of IFP Zululand deputy chairperson Thokozani Mkhize, Dhlamini defended Hlabisa's leadership, stating that the party has historically allowed its president to remain in office until they choose to step down, a tradition established by the party's founder, Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

“We cannot change ourselves now as the IFP because it is our norm that in the IFP, a president holds the position until he decides to step down,” said Dhlamini.