Negotiating teams from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the National Freedom Party (NFP) were locked in talks in Durban on Sunday after both parties previously failed to find common ground on issues threatening to destabilise the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

The IFP’s alleged snubbing of the NFP angered GPU partners, particularly the Democratic Alliance (DA), which petitioned the IFP, demanding an explanation for its failure to honour a meeting with the NFP.

The NFP had threatened to withdraw from the GPU, prompting meetings with both the DA and the African National Congress (ANC), aimed at persuading the party to remain part of the coalition.

NFP acting secretary-general Sunset Xaba confirmed that the meeting took place on Sunday but declined to disclose the agenda.

However, a source said tensions were expected to flare between the two parties, as the NFP has not shifted from its earlier demand to be allocated a municipality as a top-up to the department it already controls within the GPU.

“I don’t think there will be a solution unless the NFP brings alternative demands, because the IFP is unlikely to agree to ceding Zululand to the NFP,” the source said.

Another demand made by the NFP was that the IFP must stop protecting Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga, as the party claimed she was being shielded by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who is also the IFP’s provincial chairperson.

The much awaited meeting between the IFP and the NFP is regard as critical for the future of the GPU arrangement in KZN. It could result in the NFP walking out of the GPU, therefore, it was widely regarded as a “make-or-break” engagement for the GPU.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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