EFF open to joining KZN Government of Provincial Unity as talks aim to avert collapse

Talks are under way to save the KwaZulu‑Natal Government from collapse, and a Cabinet reshuffle is reportedly possible as one party signals it may join the ruling coalition.

EFF signals readiness to negotiate

According to IOL, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has indicated a willingness to enter discussions about joining the KwaZulu‑Natal Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), which currently includes the Democratic Alliance (DA).

According to IOL, Forced by circumstances in KwaZulu‑Natal, the EFF Provincial Secretary, Vukani Ndlovu, confirmed that there are engagements between his party and certain GPU partners to join the coalition following the withdrawal of NFP and the subsequent removal of Mbali Shinga after her dismissal by the NFP.

“We are willing to be engaged and join the GPU. It won’t be impossible to talk to IFP because there are areas where we agree and don’t agree. I don’t think there is a party that wants to see instability in the provincial government, which would come with the dissolution of the government. EFF will choose stability in the province,”

the IOL report quoted Ndlovu as saying.

IFP approaches and DA response

According to IOL, speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior IFP member said that after Shinga’s removal from the Legislature… the IFP started approaching the EFF to join the GPU.

That anonymous IFP member told IOL that GPU partners face a stark choice: either the EFF joins to preserve the government or the provincial administration risks collapse and fresh elections.

“I do not think there is a member of the GPU who would want to see the collapse of the government. The dissolution of the government would have negative consequences for all parties involved. Politics is dynamic, and there is no guarantee that all these parties that are in the Legislature now will return after fresh elections. Hence, we want to save this current arrangement for the sake of stability and continuity,”

the member said, according to IOL.

According to IOL, the DA provincial leader, Sithembiso Ngema, also toned down his party’s stance on the EFF, saying the DA would not have a problem with the EFF’s inclusion in the GPU; however, its main concern would be to serve with them in a Cabinet where important service delivery decisions would have to be taken.

IOL quoted Ngema as saying,

“We are not entirely against the EFF joining the GPU; they can be part of the coalition without serving in the Cabinet, but let’s wait and see what agreement they reach with the IFP, as we are not talking to them,”

.

Vacancy and unanswered questions

According to IOL, pressure on Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli to reshuffle the executive or to replace the removed Social Development MEC is growing. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has written to the premier asking why the Social Development Department continues without an MEC.

According to IOL, neither the ANC nor the IFP has confirmed whether they are talking to the EFF at the time of publication. The Premier’s Office also did not respond to when the new Social Development MEC would be appointed.

What this means

According to IOL, talks to expand the GPU and a possible cabinet reshuffle are being discussed as stakeholders weigh stability against the prospect of a government collapse and fresh elections.

According to IOL, IOL is one of South Africa’s leading news and information websites bringing millions of readers breaking news and updates on politics, current affairs and other topics.