Hlabisa clings to power as IFP considers postponement

THE Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is considering postponing its elective conference to 2027 to avoid divisions ahead of the local government elections next year.

- WILLEM PHUNGULA

Two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said postponement is being discussed by the national leadership and the decision would be taken when the leadership meets early next year.

“We have heard that there will be no conference next year as was expected. No party would want to hold an elective conference on the year of elections, so I suspect it is the same reason why the leadership wants to postpone it,” said a local leader.

The leader, who is a known backer of IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa, said he would welcome the decision because he does not see the reason for a conference since the party is still doing well under his leadership.

“Why change the winning team? For me, there is no need to rush to a conference since the party is still doing well. I hear there is a plan to postpone the conference and this is a good idea,” said the leader.