The unexpected governing pact between the ANC and the IFP is likely to continue beyond the government of provincial unity, with the traditional political foes looking to solidify their relationship in the local government sector.
Sunday World understands that at the core of the tactic is to ensure that the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) led by former president Jacob Zuma is kept on the sidelines in key municipalities ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.
The ANC has hinted it approached the IFP, asking for its assistance in governing the Umzumbe local municipality.
“We are in discussions with the IFP on a power-sharing arrangement in Umzumbe, but nothing has been finalised,” explained ANC provincial spokesman Mafika Mndebele.
This paper has also learned through sources privy to the talks that the power-sharing arrangement will entail the ANC keeping the mayorship and council chief whip positions, while the IFP will be rewarded with deputy mayor and speaker.
The ANC lost the municipality in by-elections last month.
Out of the six wards up for grabs, the IFP won three wards and the ANC retained two wards. On the other hand uMkhonto we Sizwe claimed its first ward since being formed last year.
Combined, the ANC and the IFP have 44 seats out of the 50 council seats in the council, which was once, an ANC stronghold. The MK Party has in the past blamed ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa of waging a war against so-called black parties such as the MK and the EFF.
“It is a continuation of Ramaphosa’s strategy and other parties who are sell-outs, supporting him in his bid to take black votes and donating it to the whites,” said the party yesterday.
Although the political newcomer amassed more than 1.5-million (45%) KwaZulu-Natal votes, the party was elbowed out of governing the province. The ANC, IFP, DA and the NFP collaborated to form a government with 41 seats. However, non-profit organisation, Real Democracy, has approached the court to have the election of KZN premier Thamsanqa Ntuli declared invalid.
“Our contention is that the election process was in conflict with the established principles and laws as it pertains to secret ballot elections,” said chairman Srinivasan Naidoo.
