The leader of South Africa’s Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Velenkosini Hlabisa, announced that his party will join a government of national unity alongside the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). Speaking at a media briefing in Durban, Hlabisa explained, “The only options were to become part of the government, or part of the opposition. The people of South Africa who voted said that political parties must find a common ground.”
This development comes after the ANC lost its majority in the recent elections, marking the first official indication of a unity government. Although the DA and ANC have not yet commented, the ANC had previously expressed interest in forming a unity government and had engaged with various opposition parties.
The new parliament is set to be sworn in on Friday, following the dismissal of a bid by former President Jacob Zuma’s MK party to halt its first sitting. During this session, the parliament is expected to elect a president, with the ANC pushing for Cyril Ramaphosa to remain in power.
The DA opposes key ANC policies, including the black empowerment program and the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which promises universal healthcare. Hlabisa emphasized the IFP’s commitment to participating in the unity government for the country’s stability and the people’s welfare, while assuring supporters that the party will maintain its identity.
The IFP has experience in coalition governments, having worked with Nelson Mandela’s ANC and the National Party after the historic 1994 elections, despite past clashes that resulted in numerous deaths.
