Malema backs MKP as ANC, IFP scramble to save GPU

POLITICAL commentators say the only way the KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) can be saved is by sweetening the deal for the National Freedom Party's President, Ivan Barnes.

- SIPHO JACK

Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe stated that, at this juncture, both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) can only offer two cabinet positions to the NFP.

“The only way the ANC can save the GPU is by giving the NFP two cabinet positions. The ANC can either negotiate with the IFP to relinquish one of its positions to make way for the NFP, or the ANC can do it directly,” Seepe said.

He mentioned that this could be the only thing that would convince the NEP to remain part of the GPU.

Both the NFP and the ANC met over the weekend, where the ANC listened to the NFP’s concerns that led to the party’s withdrawal from the GPU.

According to a source with intimate knowledge of the situation, the meeting focused on the opportunities available for Barnes in political office.

After its recent withdrawal from the GPU, all the GPU parties reached out to the NFP’s leadership and requested separate meetings.