Despite its strained political relations with the IFP, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has assured the public that it will not leave the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

The ANC is a crucial coalition partner in the GPU-led IFP under Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, whom the MKP and NFP are targeting in a proposed vote of no confidence.

Speaking on the sidelines of the signing of the renewal chapter ceremony on Monday, the ANC’s provincial coordinator, Mike Mabuyakhulu, dismissed the widespread rumours that his party will not defend Ntuli when the MKP-sponsored motion is debated. 

Mabuyakhulu said his party was still very much part of the GPU and had no intention of leaving the arrangement.

He stated that the ANC was still happy with the performance of the provincial government under Ntuli, particularly on the matters of stability and economic development.

“We have always maintained that we joined the GPU for a reason, and at no stage did we ever think of leaving this coalition. As the ANC, we are happy that the government is stable and is working hard to improve the economic conditions, so why would one want to leave a stable government like this one?” said Mabuyakhulu.

Last week, there was uncertainty after weekend reports suggested that the ANC had threatened to pull out of the GPU if the IFP did not remove Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

It was also reported that the ANC had demanded that the IFP reinstate its deposed Umkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor, Siphile Mdaka. 

The reports further suggested that Ntuli, in his capacity as the provincial IFP chairperson, had made concessions to the ANC demands.

Although reports of Buthelezi’s imminent removal were unconfirmed, it was fuelled by his known strained relationship with the ANC.

The party has been accusing him of using his position as CoGTA MEC to target its-led municipalities by placing them under administration.

The case in point was the placing of Umkhanyakude under Section 139, which the ANC challenged both legally and politically. The decision was later reserved.

On Tuesday, the IFP also dismissed the rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle, reaffirming Buthelezi as CoGTA MEC.

In a statement, the party called weekend reports, which suggested that Buthelezi would be reshuffled, false, and misleading.

“In light of this, the IFP National Executive Committee, having met today, Monday, 3 November 2025, wishes to place on record the following clarifications and reaffirmations. The IFP reaffirms its full and unwavering support and confidence in the IFP-led Government of Provincial Unity under the leadership of Premier Thami Ntuli.

“The IFP also categorically rejects the false and misleading reports published by the Sunday Times suggesting that there is an agreement for MEC Reverend TD Buthelezi MPL, to be reshuffled as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

“The party wishes to make it absolutely clear that no such reshuffle agreement was made. The IFP cautions against the spread of misinformation and fake news,” read the statement.

The party said it will continuously engage constructively with all our GPU partners to ensure the long-term viability, functionality, and stability of the Government of Provincial Unity.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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