The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it will join a Government of National Unity (led) by the African National Congress (ANC).
The announcement was made by party leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, during a media briefing in Durban, after the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The party garnered 33 seats at the National Assembly, and in two provincial legislatures.
“The IFP will join a government of national unity that includes the ANC and the DA. In reality, the only options are to become part of the government or part of the opposition,” said Hlabisa.
Hlabisa emphasised that the decision was taken for the interest of the country.
“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.
“This is the sole reason why the IFP supports the idea of the formation of the government of national unity and why we will join the GNU,” explained the IFP President.
He dismissed reports that the IFP held talks with the MK, to form a coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal. He said a meeting was arranged with the MK delegation, but they failed to pitch up.
“The leadership of the MK failed to honour a pre-arranged meeting. Our delegation waited for some time, however when they failed to arrive, the meeting was cancelled. There have been renewed attempts today by the MK party to reach out to the IFP,” said Hlabisa.
He added that talks are still underway with regards to the coalition government in Gauteng.
“The IFP has confirmed its willingness to join the government of Provincial Unity in Gauteng. In addition, as I have outlined before, the IFP will join GNU that includes the ANC and DA. In reality, the only options are to become part of the government, or part of the opposition. The mandate we receive from the electorate is for the IFP to contribute to the effective governance of South Africa. We would participate in GNU 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.
“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,” he said.
“This is the sole reason why the IFP supports the idea of the formation of the government of national unity and why we will join the GNU.”
Political parties are rushing to reach coalition agreements before Friday’s deadline, when the NA meet to elect its speaker, deputy speaker and president.