The Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal, led by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), is under strain after the National Freedom Party (NFP) threatened to pull out of the arrangement.
The NFP said it has lost confidence in Premier Thami Ntuli, accusing him and other GPU partners of abandoning the coalition’s founding principles of accountability and service delivery.
NFP: “We Have Lost Confidence in the Premier”
NFP President Ivan Barnes said the party is ready to leave the GPU and will instead support parties committed to tangible governance improvements.
“The founding principles of the Government of Provincial Unity were anchored on clean and transparent governance, efficient delivery of services, and the creation of an environment conducive to investment,” Barnes said.
“Recent events stand in stark contrast to these principles.”
Barnes accused the GPU of failing to review performance, ignoring accountability, and engaging in wasteful spending, including “unnecessary international trips” by the Premier.
“We have witnessed a steady erosion of public trust. Financial mismanagement and wasteful expenditure have deeply undermined confidence in the GPU,” he added.
GPU Stability at Risk
The NFP’s single seat in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature gives it a crucial balance of power in maintaining the GPU’s majority.
Losing NFP support would weaken the coalition between the IFP, ANC, and DA-aligned partners, potentially forcing new negotiations or a minority government.
Barnes said both the IFP and ANC have failed to demonstrate honesty and cooperation, undermining the spirit of unity that defined the GPU’s formation.
“Instead of collaboration, we have seen self-serving behaviour and a lack of mutual understanding, especially within certain municipalities,” he said.
Public Confidence Eroding
Barnes warned that the political instability and lack of cohesion within the GPU are hurting citizens and investors.
“It is the people of KwaZulu-Natal along with business, civil society, and traditional leaders who suffer from this instability,” he said.
Political analysts note that this is the first major test for Premier Ntuli’s leadership since forming the GPU earlier this year.
If the NFP formally withdraws, it could trigger a reshuffle or renegotiation of the province’s governing arrangement.
Next Steps Unclear
Neither the IFP nor the ANC has issued a formal response to the NFP’s statement.
However, internal discussions are expected in the coming days as coalition partners attempt to prevent a full breakdown of the provincial government.
