IFP Reaffirms Role in Government and Calls for Justice Reforms
Image: Picture: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has reaffirmed its commitment to being a vocal and active participant in South Africa's government of national unity (GNU) while sharply criticising the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for what it describes as poor performance.
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa made these remarks during a media briefing on Monday afternoon, where the party reflected on its role in governance at national and provincial levels and addressed concerns related to crime and justice in the country.
Hlabisa emphasised that the IFP remains dedicated to its position within the GNU and the government of provincial unity (GPU). He said the party's participation in these governments is aimed at healing divisions from the past while advancing a vision of inclusivity and development.
'The IFP is in the GNU or GPU to govern and to be part of governance. But this does not dilute the image or identity of the IFP,' Hlabisa stated. He highlighted the party's involvement in the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provincial governments and said their efforts are making an impact, particularly in crime reduction and economic development.
Turning to the issue of political violence, Hlabisa addressed recent allegations of political interference made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The IFP supports President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and establish a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate these claims. The party sees this move as aligning with its recommendations.
Hlabisa stressed that challenges within the South African Police Service (SAPS) are central to the ongoing problem of political violence and the slow progress in solving political murder cases. The IFP has called for a comprehensive investigation into political interference and any disruptions that have hindered the work of law enforcement agencies in these matters.
'The allegations by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi have deepened the trust deficit between the police service and the public. This must be addressed through proper investigation and due process,' Hlabisa said. He expressed concern that a police-led investigation may not be suitable given the focus on SAPS in the allegations.
The party also criticised the National Prosecuting Authority for not doing enough to secure timely prosecutions, especially regarding the findings of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into state capture. Hlabisa described the NPA's current performance as a source of public mistrust and a 'bleeding wound' in the justice system.
Restoring confidence in the security and legal institutions is a key priority for the IFP as the country prepares for the upcoming National Dialogue. Hlabisa recalled the vision of IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who championed honest and inclusive discussions on critical issues such as land reform, traditional leadership, poverty, and social cohesion.
The party supports the National Dialogue process, believing it to be essential for fostering true nationhood through open conversations and cooperation among South Africans.
'South Africa needs more than hope. We need united effort to rebuild and transform our nation,' Hlabisa said. 'This requires urgency, meaningful reform, and active participation from all sectors of society. The time has come to move beyond words and take decisive action.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
President Cyril Ramaphosa missing in action amid US tariffs
South Africa's silence on how it plans to respond to President Donald Trump's looming tariffs next months is leaving the door wide open for justified criticism that it is less bothered about the impact, says the writer. Image: Jairus Mmutle / GCIS IT WOULD take something special for the South African government to get itself out of the US's 30% tariffs on exported products judging by how the Government of National Unity (GNU) has approached this issue. Make no mistake, Trump means business and it will take some convincing for his administration to move away from the percentage he has imposed on our produce to the US. Certainly that will not happen when our government continues to evade questions about the appointment of an ambassador to the US. The Ramaphosa administration is leaving the door wide open for justified criticism that it is less bothered about the impact the tariffs will have on automotive and agricultural sectors - key industries in the country's economy. Other than a July 7 statement contesting the interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the US, South Africans have been kept in the dark about how far the 'negotiating teams' have gone insofar as securing a deal is concerned. This is not to suggest that the Americans should dictate the speed at which we address our own internal issues, far from it. However the lack of direction and certainty presents a worrying picture. A picture depicting that the government's house is not in order and no one appears concerned. For example, the role of Mcebisi Jonas, the president's special envoy to the US, continues to be shrouded in controversy. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading If we were to take the DA's word for it, Jonas is not a welcome guest to the US over his past remarks labelling Trump a racist. Ramaphosa's continued refusal to come clean on Jonas' status is not helping the situation. South Africa has been without an ambassador to the US since Ebrahim Rasool was chased away in March for criticising Trump. Who are we entrusting with this very important responsibility? Could this nonchalant approach be a sign that the South African government has already accepted that it will not be able to strike a deal with the US? If so, then what is the alternative? These are crucial questions that will not disappear by avoiding to answer. Hard to believe that today we are having to dig for answers from a president who promised a government characterised by transparency.


Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
GNU passing national budget allows unhindered spending for rest of financial year
CAPE TOWN - In a crucial test for the Government of National Unity (GNU), it's finally passed a national budget that will allow unhindered spending for the rest of the financial year. The process has taken longer than it had in the past under a majority government - first over whether the budget should be funded through a value-added tax (VAT) increase, and more recently, a squabble between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) over compromised ministers. ALSO READ: - GNU finally passes ultimate test of collaboration by getting national budget approved - Gigaba doesn't believe drawn-out budget process damaged Treasury's credibility - National Assembly passes several dept budgets despite objections from most opposition parties In a marathon session, the House painstakingly went through each of the 42 budget votes. The DA backtracked on earlier threats and supported all the budget votes, while the main opposition parties stuck to their guns to reject all of them. But inexperience tripped up the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party at the last hurdle when it erroneously voted in favour of the Appropriation Bill. New chief whip Colleen Makhubele begged the House's indulgence. 'They can calm down because we are rejecting this, we are changing our vote.' House chairperson Cedric Frolick allowed the party to redirect their votes after the voting window had already closed. 'It will not make any material difference to the outcome on the question, and that's my final ruling.' But the DA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) did not approve. 'You are making this process to have a problem of legitimacy and credibility,' said EFF leader Julius Malema. The Appropriation Bill will still face one final test in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) next week.


Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
MK Party downplays Makhubele blunder during Appropriation Bill's voting
JOHANNESBURG - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has downplayed a blunder by its chief whip during the voting of the Appropriation Bill, which saw the official opposition giving the budget a thumbs up. Colleen Makhubele's confusion – after a day spent rejecting the respective budgets presented for the various government departments – mistakenly supported the Government of National Unity (GNU) Appropriation Bill in the National Assembly on Wednesday. ALSO READ: - GNU passing national budget allows unhindered spending for rest of financial year - GNU finally passes ultimate test of collaboration by getting national budget approved The marathon sitting brought to an end 2025's sticky budget process. Makhubele was seemingly tripped up by processes in the House and accidently cast a vote on behalf of the MK Party in favour of the Appropriation Bill. The official opposition was allowed to change its vote at a later stage – a move other parties said sets a bad precedent because it was allowed after the voting window had closed. Speaking to journalists after the session, the MK Party's Des van Rooyen dismissed the faux pas. 'From vote 1 to vote 42, the MK has been very clear – we have objected all these votes. I think there was a confusion from the table when the House chairperson announced order 5 and he was corrected by his table but by then, our chief whip had already channelled order 5. That was the confusion. But it's just logic, simple sense. You can't vote no for all budgets 1 to 42 and then at the final stage you vote yes - it doesn't make sense.'