ANC Rejects MKP Coalition Bid in KwaZulu-Natal

The African National Congress (ANC) has rejected a proposal from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) to collaborate in an effort to remove the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)-led Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal. The rejection comes as the MKP seeks to build a coalition to challenge the current provincial government.

MKP’s Initial Proposal and ANC Response

Last week, MKP’s second deputy president, Tony Yengeni, formally requested a meeting with ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to discuss a motion of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and the potential formation of a new coalition government [1]. But, the ANC did not respond to the invitation, and no meeting took place.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stated that the party became aware of the invitation through media reports and that Mbalula was unavailable, being in Tanzania for meetings with the Gauteng provincial task team [2]. Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized that the ANC’s priority lies with its own internal work, stating, “To be honest, MKP is not our priority. We are busy with ANC work.”

Multi-Party Talks and Continued Efforts to Unseat the IFP

The MKP also extended an invitation to the ANC to participate in multi-party talks scheduled for Sunday in Durban. However, the ANC will not be participating [2]. The National Freedom Party (NFP) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have confirmed their attendance, with the aim of developing a new strategy to challenge the IFP-led GPU.

Despite previously being part of the GPU, the NFP now supports the MKP-sponsored motion of no confidence against Premier Ntuli. The NFP clarified that it has not rejoined the GPU and will remain outside the coalition until a disciplinary hearing regarding Mbali Shinga is finalized [3].

Next Steps

The outcome of these developments is expected to be announced this week. The proposed meeting between the MKP, NFP, and EFF is anticipated to finalize the details of the motion of no confidence and garner support for its implementation [3].