Durban — The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal stands to lose close to 20 municipalities as the EFF plans to dump the coalitions it is in with the IFP and work with the ANC.
The EFF is said to have entered into discussions with the ANC to form coalitions in the municipalities where the party helped the IFP to govern.
At a media briefing last week, EFF leader Julius Malema announced that his party was in discussions with the ANC in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to work together in the hung municipalities.
Speaking to the Daily News on Sunday, EFF provincial leader Vusi Khoza confirmed that his party had started assessing its working relationships with the IFP and whether people were benefiting from the coalitions they have, after taking over eight months ago.
Khoza, however, said the assessment would be per municipality and would not be blanket approach, adding that where the relationship was adding value his party would continue working with the IFP.
The EFF helped the IFP to unseat the ANC in 19 municipalities where there was no outright winner in the November 2021 local government elections. If the EFF and ANC negotiations succeed, the IFP is likely to lose control of the Zululand District Municipality and other local municipalities. In Zululand, it was the EFF’s single vote that helped the IFP to retain the municipality.
The ANC and NFP coalition had garnered 18 seats which equalled the number of IFP seats, and the EFF became the kingmaker.
It is alleged that the IFP and EFF’s relationship in the district municipality had soured after mayor Thulasizwe Buthelezi stripped EFF deputy mayor Thulani Ndlovu of his municipal car and bodyguards while on his way to a party event.
The action embarrassed Ndlovu, who had to wait on the side of the road to be picked up after Tracker had seized his cars.
The EFF’s move could also see the ANC retaining strategic municipalities like Newcastle and uMhlathuze.
Other municipalities that could be affected include uThukela District Municipality, Inkosi Langalibalele (Estcourt) Alfred Duma in Ladysmith, Danhauser, and Mthonjaneni in Melmoth.
NFP provincial secretary Zandile Myeni said they were looking forward to changes that might come as a result of the EFF switching support, adding that her party stood to gain as well.
The EFF was rewarded with deputy mayor positions in Zululand, uMhlathuze, Newcastle, uThukela, Mtubatuba, Alfred Duma and Amajuba municipalities for assisting the IFP.
The IFP spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa downplayed the possible changes, saying his party has a healthy and co-operative working relationship with the EFF.
He said both parties were in agreement that the direction of the country under the leadership of the ANC was not serving the collective interests of the people.
“The IFP and EFF have structures in place to manage the realities and dynamics of the co-operation arrangement,” said Hlengwa.
Daily News