IFP to join ANC in national unity government

The party will also enter into a coalition with the ANC, DA and the National Freedom Party to form a government in KwaZulu-Natal.

The IFP has 17 seats in Parliament after garnering 3.85% of the vote during the recent general elections. 

"At a national level, the IFP has agreed to form part of the government of national unity. The IFP will join a GNU that includes the ANC and the DA," said party president Velenkosini Hlabisa.

"We are working towards forming a government in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, having met with the ANC, DA and NFP in the province. This continues to be a work in progress."

Hlabisa defended the party's decision to work with the ANC, saying it is the will of the people.

"The mandate we received from the electorate is for the IFP to contribute to the effective governance of South Africa.

"We will participate in the government of national unity for the sake of our country and for the sake of our people, who want life to continue with a stable government that will address their challenges."

On Monday, the party had a scheduled meeting with Umkhonto WeSizwe to discuss how the two parties could work together.

However, Hlabisa said the party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, kept them waiting for hours. 

In KwaZulu-Natal, the IFP is the third largest party, with 16.28% behind the MK party and the ANC.

"We can confirm that we have received the MK letter and we agreed to meet with them. However, the MK leadership failed to honour a prearranged meeting. 

"Our delegation waited for some time, however when they failed to arrive, the meeting was cancelled. There has been renewed attempts today by MK to reach out to the IFP.

Hlabisa also confirmed talks are underway to form a coalition government in Gauteng.

"The IFP has confirmed its willingness to join that government of provincial unity."

The IFP served in the government of national unity from 1994 to 1999, and governed with the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal from 1999 to 2004.

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