ANC demands IFP remove KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi over ‘bull in a china shop’ conduct

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu‑Natal has renewed calls for the removal of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi, saying he has become “the proverbial bull in a china shop” and is abusing his position to attack other parties.

What triggered the latest demand

The ANC Provincial Task Team raised the matter during a media briefing on Thursday and said it had escalated its concerns to the IFP leadership. The renewed call follows a dispute over uMkhanyakude District Municipality’s proposed R14.6 million purchase of five specialised water tankers, which Buthelezi opposed on the grounds that the municipality should not take on additional debt when the provincial government had already deployed water tankers to assist communities in the district.

ANC’s position

The ANC defended uMkhanyakude’s planned purchase and accused Buthelezi of targeting ANC‑led municipalities. In a statement quoted by IOL, the party said: “The ANC reiterates its call for the MEC for Cogta, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, to be removed from this portfolio, as he has become the proverbial bull in a china shop, is openly partisan and abuses his position to attack and frustrate other political parties and their representatives.”

Escalation and possible next steps

The ANC said it had taken its concerns to the IFP leadership and warned it would “explore other avenues” if the IFP failed to act. The parties remain partners in the KwaZulu‑Natal Government of Provincial Unity but will contest the Local Government Elections on November 4 against each other.

IFP response and coalition context

IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa previously said the issue should not be aired publicly and suggested there were appropriate internal platforms to resolve differences. He said: “In a coalition government, no political party should dictate how another organisation manages its affairs.” Hlabisa named Premier Thami Ntuli and ANC provincial leader Mike Mabuyakhulu as the leaders tasked with handling coalition matters in KwaZulu‑Natal.

Related developments in the legislature

The Buthelezi matter was raised alongside the ANC’s comments on developments involving the National Freedom Party in the KwaZulu‑Natal Legislature. The ANC said it had “full confidence in the Speaker of the Legislature, Cde Nontembeko Boyce,” and commended her handling of an NFP‑related issue concerning NFP MPL Ms Mbali Shinga. The ANC said it did not intend to interfere in NFP internal affairs.

Requests for comment and publisher note

According to IOL, the organisation has contacted the IFP for comment and will update the story when a response is received. According to IOL, the outlet is one of South Africa’s leading news and information websites providing breaking news and updates across multiple sectors.