The between IFP and NFP’s negotiating teams on Sunday were  locked in a meeting in Durban on Sunday, with both parties failing to find common ground on issues that have threatened to destabilise the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

The IFP’s purported shunning of the NFP angered the GPU partners, particularly the DA, which petitioned the IFP, demanding a reason for not honouring a meeting with the NFP.

The NFP had threatened to pull out of the GPU and meetings held with the DA and ANC were aimed at convincing the party to remain part of the coalition.

NFP acting Secretary-General Sunset Xaba confirmed that the meeting took place on Sunday but he would not divulge what is on the agenda.

However, a source said that tempers are expected to flare up between the two parties as the NFP has not moved from its earlier demand to be given a municipality as a top-up to the ministry it controls in the GPU.

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

Another demand by the NFP was that the IFP stop protecting Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga, with the party claiming she is being shielded by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who is also the IFP provincial chairperson.

The long awaited meeting takes place after a lot of uncertainty over the future of the GPU and the meeting will also pave the way for a multi-party talks.

The two parties’ meeting is regarded as a make-or-break engagement that will determine whether the NFP remains in or leaves the GPU.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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