The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal recently expressed concerns about its coalition partners, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). ANC chairman Siboniso Duma criticized the lack of cohesion and cooperation from the DA, while also accusing the IFP’s Thulasizwe Buthelezi of being “divisive.”
Speaking at the Radisson Blu Hotel Umhlanga, Duma highlighted the ANC’s commitment to its goals and stated that the partnership with the DA was more tactical than ideological. He emphasized that the DA’s center-right ideology could hinder progress towards the fulfillment of the Freedom Charter.
Duma also raised issues with Buthelezi’s conduct as the MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs, claiming that he was targeting traditional leaders for removal. The ANC viewed this as disruptive to the unity government’s stability and received complaints from traditional leaders about Buthelezi’s politically motivated actions.
Furthermore, allegations were made against Buthelezi for terminating contracts of workers associated with the expanded public works program without justification. Duma stressed that Buthelezi’s actions were not aligned with the unity government’s objectives and risked alienating essential stakeholders in rural communities.
Despite the challenges, Duma reassured the public that the coalition government would continue to serve residents for the next five years. However, he cautioned that future cooperation with the DA and IFP would be conditional, with a renewed focus on advancing the ANC’s mandate of building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa.
ANC deputy provincial chair Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu reiterated the importance of collaboration in the unity government, noting that tensions were primarily ideological. She emphasized the need for all parties to work together while acknowledging differences in perspectives.
Simelane-Zulu criticized the DA for prioritizing the interests of the white minority and emphasized the ANC’s commitment to representing all people in KwaZulu-Natal. She also called out Buthelezi for using his position to settle scores and target ANC-run municipalities, stating that the ANC would not tolerate such actions.
In conclusion, the ANC remains committed to upholding its values and program of action while working with coalition partners in the unity government. The party is determined to address challenges and ensure that the government serves the people of KwaZulu-Natal effectively.
