IFP dismisses claims of looming Cabinet reshuffle in KZN

THE IFP has dismissed claims that KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanga Ntuli intends to reshuffle the provincial government to secure the backing of the ANC when the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) tables its motion of no confidence against him.

- WILLEM PHUNGULA

Reshuffling the cabinet was reportedly one of the demands the ANC made to Ntuli in order to save the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

Ntuli is said to have agreed to swap Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and Mtomuhle Khawula, the MEC of Sports Arts and Culture. The IFP concession is said to have emanated from its meeting with ANC provincial leadership last week where the ANC demanded the removal of Buthelezi and the reinstatement of Umkhanyakude District Municipality mayor Siphile Mdaka - this will ensure the ANC backs Ntuli who faces a motion of no confidence brought by the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).