For the first time after more than four decades since its inception, Inkatha Freedom Party will go to the elections without its founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. who passed away in September last year.

CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE

Buthelezi, a controversial figure during the apartheid liberation struggle because of his bitter rivalry with the African National Congress (ANC) passed away aged 95. The founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) stepped down as the party president in 2019 after being at the helm for 44 years. At the time, Buthelezi paved way for current IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa, who also took over Gatsha's parliamentary seat in October. . The IFP National Executive Committee (NEC) that was held in October resolved the vacancy in the National Assembly arising from the passing of Buthelezi to be filled by Hlabisa.

INFIGHTING

As expected, the IFP is already embroiled in infighting as the party held a media briefing in October to squash a power struggle between King Cetshwayo District Mayor Thami Ntuli, who is a favourite to run for the role of premier in KZN and Hlabisa. Already the IFP is running almost 70% of the KZN municipalities and the party is hoping to win the province during the 2024 national elections. Hlabisa has the majority support of the veterans of the IFP while Ntuli is seen to have the support of Sadesmo and the IFPYP.

VACANCIES THAT AROSE

The NEC announced that the vacancy that arose in the KZN legislature owing to the resignation of Hlabisa be filled by Reverend Musa Zondi. The party also announced that the leader of the official opposition in the KZN Provincial Legislature was now going to be National Chairperson, Blessed Gwala, who was the Chief Whip of the official opposition. They also announced that Chief Whip of the Official Opposition was now the Deputy National Chairperson, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa. Attempts to get a comment from IFP National spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa proved fruitless as questions sent to him were ignored.