Latest news with #IFP
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa calls for a cost-effective National Dialogue
Cogta Minister and IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa urges a cost-effective National Dialogue focused on real solutions, not excessive spending, to address South Africa's deepening inequality and unresolved national issues. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says the upcoming National Dialogue must not be a costly talk shop, but rather a serious, inclusive, and solution-driven process to address South Africa's long-standing social, political, and economic challenges. Speaking in his capacity as part of the cabinet preparatory team for the Dialogue, Hlabisa expressed concern over the excessive budget allocated for the process and called for a comprehensive review of its costs. The IFP views the National Dialogue, set to take place on August 15, 2025, as a continuation of the CODESA talks that ushered in political freedom in 1994 but left many key issues unresolved. 'We are opposed to the excessive cost in relation to the National Dialogue,' said Hlabisa. 'It must not be done at an exorbitant price.' He specifically raised alarm over the reported R700 million earmarked for the Dialogue, calling it unjustifiable in a country grappling with deep poverty and inequality. 'In our meeting, we expressed our disquiet in terms of the figure that was mentioned,' Hlabisa said.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP advocates for Zulu king recognition through National Dialogue
The National Dialogue will discuss the role and the powers of Zulu King Misuzulu and other kings in the country. Image: Archives Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it will use the National Dialogue to relaunch its fight for full recognition of Zulu King Misuzulu and traditional leaders, which deadlocked during the Convention for the Democratic South Africa (Codesa) talks in the early 90s. In a media briefing on Monday, the party said it fully supported the dialogue, which was proposed by its late founder, inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, eight years ago. Buthelezi died in 2023. Emphasising the importance of dialogue, the party president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said it was a matter of historic record that Codesa fell short in many respects in wholly transitioning South Africa into democracy, as political freedom has not, among other things, translated into economic justice for South Africans. Hlabisa said since 1994, his party has continuously advocated for meaningful conversation, through a National Dialogue, on these critical issues because national unity and social stability depend on the collective ability to address these outstanding matters. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The Inkatha Freedom Party firmly believes that South Africa's future depends on open, inclusive, and honest dialogue among all its citizens. As Shenge reminded us, a national dialogue is not just about talking — it is about listening, understanding, and finding common ground to address the nation's most pressing challenges. We want the outstanding matters of Codesa to be addressed in the National Dialogue, such as the powers of the king and amakhosi,' said Hlabisa He said in times of economic, political, and social crossroads, dialogue offers a consensus-seeking path to nation-building. It emphasises the importance of engaging diverse voices across all segments of society, from government and traditional leaders to ordinary citizens, to forge solutions rooted in mutual understanding. 'Eight years ago, on 05 May 2017, our founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, emphasised the importance of National Dialogue on issues like land reform, traditional leadership, poverty alleviation, and social cohesion. He pointed out almost prophetically that 'South Africa has reached a crossroads, economically, politically, and socially. We cannot move blindly into the future, accepting the current trajectory as fixed. It is not. We are, after all, masters of our own destiny',' concluded the party. The IFP vigorously fought for the greater powers of the then-king Zwelithini during the Codesa talks to the point that the party boycotted the first democratic elections in 1994. It only entered elections a few days before the election date after international peace brokers promised to revisit the outstanding matters after the elections, which never happened.
The Star
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cyril Ramaphosa faces pressure to appoint US ambassador as tariffs loom
While the Presidency announced the appointment of Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave as the new Seychelles Ambassador to the United Nations in New York on Monday, partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) are intensifying calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an ambassador to the United States as a matter of urgency. This comes days before the implementation of 30% tariffs on South African products exported to the US, imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. South Africa has been without an ambassador to the US since March when Ebrahim Rasool was expelled over comments deemed an attack on the Trump administration. In response, Ramaphosa appointed Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy. However, the DA revealed that the US government denied Jonas a diplomatic visa in May and informed the Presidency that he would not be recognised as South Africa's official interlocutor. Jonas and Rasool are both seen as Trump's adversaries after they criticised him on two different occasions. In mid-March 2025, the Trump administration expelled Rasool as South Africa's ambassador to the US, following his critical comments about the US government during a webinar. Rasool had characterised the "Make America Great Again" movement as partly a reaction to "a supremacist instinct" and anticipated demographic changes in the US, specifically the projected decline of the white population to minority status. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly denounced Rasool as a "race-baiting politician who hates America" and declared him persona non grata. In 2020, Jonas referred to Trump as "a racist, homophobic, and narcissistic right-winger", which resurfaced following his appointment as Special Envoy to the US. This exclusion of the two officials coincided with escalating tensions between the US and South Africa, fuelled by the US disapproval of South Africa's legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice and the US freezing aid to South Africa. GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron emphasised the need for Ramaphosa to take the nation into his confidence and update citizens on the Washington strategy. "Ramaphosa must update the nation on Washington strategy. President Cyril Ramaphosa owes the nation an update on progress... with the nation's diplomatic relationship with the US," Herron said. Another GNU partner, the IFP, during a media briefing on Monday, also urged Ramaphosa to appoint an ambassador as a priority. IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the party is expecting the president to appoint the ambassador as a matter of urgency, given the diplomatic fallout between the two countries. He further stated that urgency was also necessary because South Africa will hand over the G20 Presidency to the US. Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, referred questions to the Presidency. However, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to questions on what the status of appointing an a mbassador was. Last week, the Presidency and the DA were engaged in a war of words after the DA revealed that despite being aware of the US rejection of Jonas's credentials, the Presidency continued to present him as the special envoy to North America. "The United States of America denied Mcebisi Jonas a diplomatic visa in May this year. The US government has formally rejected Jonas's credentials...," the DA initially stated. In response, the Presidency warns against treating DA disinformation on international relations as official government policy. "Special Envoys do not present credentials, and Mr Jonas's role, while supportive of DTIC (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition) and DIRCO in trade negotiations and diplomatic relations, does not supersede them. He has been assisting in developing trade proposals and resetting diplomatic ties. "President Ramaphosa has not urgently required Mr Jonas to visit the US due to ongoing processes and recent contact with President Trump. The Presidency is concerned about the DA's persistent campaign against South Africa's national interest, originating from their ideological visit to the US earlier this year. The DA is attempting to use a foreign state to change national policies and is exploiting critical engagements to protest President Ramaphosa's removal of Mr Andrew Whitfield,' Magwenya said. He further said the DA's insults against other nations and international organisations harm South Africa's international relations and could negatively impact businesses and livelihoods dependent on global trade. The impending 30% tariffs on South African exports to the US, expected to take effect next month, pose significant challenges to South Africa's economy. Additionally, South Africa is on the brink of losing its African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) status when it expires this year. AGOA enables economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa by providing eligible countries with duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products. [email protected]
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP Reaffirms Role in Government and Calls for Justice Reforms
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said that the IFP remains dedicated to its position within the GNU and the government of provincial unity. 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.'
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP stands firm on KwaZulu-Natal's controversial decision to place ANC-led municipality under administration
IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa has defended KwaZulu-Natal government's decision to place the ANC-led municipality under administration. Image: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs / Facebook The IFP has vowed to defend the KwaZulu-Natal government's decision to place the struggling ANC-led Umkhanyakude District Municipality under administration despite the ANC's defiance. In a media briefing on Monday afternoon, President Velenkosini Hlabisa dismissed ANC's assertion that the provincial government is targeting municipalities under its leadership for political reasons. There was a drama last week when IFP's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi was physically prevented from entering the premises of the municipality, in the north of the province, to formally introduce the appointed administrator, Bamba Ndwandwe. Hlabisa stated that the government's decision remains firm and will not be influenced by political pressures. 'This is not a political intervention. This is a Cabinet decision. As long as municipalities are passing unfunded budgets, Section 139 will apply. You can go and check the financial audit outcome of that municipality. It is not good; therefore, it qualifies for an intervention of this kind,' said Hlabisa. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who was at the briefing, said there was a unanimous decision in the Cabinet with all MECs, including the three from the ANC; therefore, he did not understand why the leadership is challenging it. He said Umkhanyakude was placed under administration alongside two IFP-led district municipalities, so the assertion by the ANC that it is targeting its municipalities was unfounded. 'We removed an ANC-led Mooi Mpofana Local Municipality from the administration in the same Cabinet meeting, so we do not understand why the ANC is complaining in Umkhanyakude,' said Ntuli. He also announced that the municipality has taken the government to court for the matter. In a statement last week, the ANC said it vehemently rejected the unwarranted and politically charged decision by MEC Buthelezi to invoke Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality. It said the so-called intervention is nothing short of abuse of constitutional provisions for political gain, adding that it lacks merit, rationale, and integrity. 'The ANC is appalled by the continued misuse of Section 139(1)(b) by the MEC, who has turned what should be a last-resort mechanism into a political weapon, one that is selectively and cynically deployed against ANC-led municipalities, regardless of their performance. 'The uMkhanyakude District Municipality has made tangible progress in governance, financial recovery, and service delivery. There is no objective basis for this draconian step, which appears designed not to improve governance, but to score narrow political points and destabilise a functional administration,' read the statement. The party said it stands with the Council of uMkhanyakude District Municipality in resisting the opportunistic, mischievous, and dangerous actions of a power-mongering MEC who is hell-bent on destabilising a functional municipality and undermining service delivery to communities. It vowed to actively mobilise its supporters and communities to resist the advances of an MEC who the party described as having clearly defined himself outside of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). There are fears that the continued souring of relations between these two major partners of the GPU may create instability in the province, which is known for its political complexities. [email protected].
