DA and NFP forge path for KZN's government of provincial unity
KwaZulu-Natal chairperson of the Democratic Alliance, Dean Mcpherson met with the leadership of the National Freedom Party on Thursday following the latter's intention to withdraw from the government of provincial unity in KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: HENK KRUGER ndependent Newspapers
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with the National Freedom Party (NFP) in Durban to discuss the NFP’s participation in, and standing within, the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
The meeting, which lasted over two hours, was described as cordial, open, and informative by Dean Macpherson, the DA's chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal.
Senior representatives from both parties were in attendance, allowing for an in-depth exchange on key political and governance issues. Importantly, the discussions provided the DA with direct insight into the frustrations currently being experienced by the NFP within the GPU.
The DA welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the NFP, listening to its concerns and gaining clarity on its expectations as discussions continue around the future of the GPU.
The DA has also indicated that it will invite the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), African National Congress (ANC), and the NFP to a multiparty meeting. The purpose of this engagement, according to Macpherson, will be to create a platform where all parties can raise issues of importance, address outstanding differences, and work collectively towards sustainable solutions.
The DA maintains that a fully inclusive GPU, with the meaningful participation of the NFP, remains the best vehicle to ensure political stability, economic growth, and job creation for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
The NFP is currently a divided house after its provincial chairperson Mbali Shinga, the MEC of Social Development was suspended for allegedly defying the party in last month's motion of no confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli.
Shinga's seat, is the only one that the NFP has in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature yet it holds so much significance against the uMkhonto weSizwe Party's 37 seats and the EFF's two seats. The NFP makes up the 40th seat, but its allegiance soon after the 2024 elections were with the IFP, ANC and DA bloc.
However, the party's president Ivan Barnes has announced a withdrawal from the GPU citing a plethora of issues ranging from corruption and nfufilled promises from the coalition leaders.
The DA believes that Saturday's engagement with the NFP represents a positive step forward and has called on all parties within the GPU to come together in the best interests of the province and its residents.