The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has concluded its coalition talks and officially announced its decision to join the Government of National Unity (GNU) at a national level. The IFP's decision to join the GNU was expected, as the party had openly supported the Multi-Party Charter, which has now collapsed. 

[ON AIR] The IFP has decided to form part of the #GNU. The first sitting of the 7th administration is set for Friday. Tune in to #eNCA channel #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/QLvIGP0n0l

— eNCA (@eNCA) June 12, 2024

THEY WILL NOT LOSE THEIR IDENTITY 

Briefing the media this evening, IFP President, Velenkosini Hlabisa said that the party will be participating in the Government of National Unity at a national level. He said the decision was taken after the party's national council met to discuss the various scenarios presented to them. "Today the final report of the IFP task team was tabled first to the NEC and then to the national council, which is the IFP's highest decision-making body between conferences,' he said. He added, "The IFP's national council deliberated on the report and carefully considered the direction to take to rebuild South Africa and contribute to the future of our country,' Hlabisa emphasised that the IFP's participation in the GNU does not mean they will lose their identity as a party. "The IFP has experience in being in the GNU as it has been there in the 1994 government," he said. 

THEY ARE HOPING TO WORK WITH MK IN KZN 

He also mentioned that a scheduled meeting with the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) did not take place due to their late arrival. However, efforts are being made to reschedule the meeting. "The MK Party has reached out today but previously they failed to arrive at a pre-arranged meeting. On Monday, our team waited for two hours for a meeting that was scheduled by Mkhululeko Hlengwa but they didn't pitch. The door isn't closed for them. We can still meet MK Party,' Hlabisa added. "We met with all the four parties, DA, ANC, and NFP and we agreed that they were going to favour King Cetshwayo Mayor Thami Ntuli to become the Premier of KZN. People of South Africa have voted and they have made it clear that we have to find each other," he said.