4 days ago
KZN ANC Rejects Rumors of Coalition with MK Party
Durban - The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has officially dismissed circulating rumors about a potential coalition with the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) to form a new provincial government of unity.
During a media briefing in Durban on Monday, held to reflect on 100 days of the current Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), party leaders addressed the speculation that had been a hot topic since Friday.
Nomagugu Simelane, the ANC's deputy provincial chairperson, clarified the party's commitment to the GPU, emphasizing their positive working relationships with other coalition members, despite some frustrations with certain individuals from the DA and IFP. "Are we leaving the GPU to work with MKP? The answer is no. There are no tensions within the GPU. It's important to remember that it was the MKP, particularly Duduzile Zuma, who stated that her party would not collaborate with the ANC, so we want to make it clear that we are not exiting the GPU," Simelane stated.
Provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo echoed her sentiments, asserting that the ANC sees no reason for the GPU to collapse and is confident that the current coalition with the IFP, DA, and NFP will complete its term.
However, the party expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of the DA and Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, whom they accused of behaving as though he is above the coalition. Mtolo indicated that discussions with IFP leadership regarding Buthelezi's conduct are underway, and the ANC expects action to be taken against him, particularly for branding water tankers delivered to uThukela District Municipality with his own image, which he described as a bizarre decision.
Regarding the ANC's concerns about the DA, they noted disturbances in the KwaDukuza Local Municipality but clarified that this does not preclude collaboration. "We recognize that our differences with the DA are historical and mainly ideological, but we are managing that. Our national leaders understand this dynamic, and they are mature enough to work together for the common good of the citizens," said Mtolo.
The ANC will provide further updates on the DA and MEC Buthelezi as more information becomes available.