Tensions rise in KZN’s government of provincial unity

SENIOR national leaders of the IFP and the ANC have now been drawn into the ongoing tension within the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

- THAMI MAGUBANE [e-mail]

ANC’ Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya and IFP’s Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa recently engaged in a public “sparring” on social media.

Sibiya of the ANC raised “questions” about whether a vote of no confidence can be passed against a “premier’, to which IFP leader Mkhuleko Hlengwa responded, stating that the same can be done to a “president”

Sibiya posted, “Can a vote of no confidence be raised against the premier, a rural Nquthu boy, just asking?” Hlengwa replied, “Yes, just like it can be raised against the president, a rural boy from eMfume, just answering”

When contacted for comment via messages, Sibiya sent laughing emojis and stated he would engage later with The Mercury, while the IFP did not respond to requests for comment.

The “sparring” between these leaders comes following mounting pressure on the ANC to leave the GPU. ANC leaders in the province have complained that their partners in the GPU are weaponising government departments to target ANC-run municipalities and departments.