IFP accused of abandoning GPU leadership duties amid NFP feud

DA steps in to facilitate crucial discussions among GPU parties for resolution

- THAMI MAGUBANE

THE IFP has been accused of “abandoning” its duties to lead the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) following its failure to meet with the NFP to resolve the tensions that are threatening the GPU.

Sources within the GPU said that it seems the IFP is “running away” from meeting with the NFP. They believe that the IFP, as the leader of the GPU, should have spearheaded a meeting with the NFP to resolve the tensions between the two parties that have led to the NFP walking away from the GPU.

Political analyst noted that relations between the two parties are frosty, dating back to the time when the NFP broke away from the IFP. He believes that the GPU partners will have a difficult time “finding something worthwhile” to offer the NFP to regain its confidence.

The main source of the tension, the sources added, is the conflict between the IFP and the NFP, particularly regarding the “IFP's betrayal” in Zululand, where the NFP was seeking a mayoral role for its leader, which never materialised.

The source added that all the parties in the GPU have met with the NFP, except for the IFP.