Deal between IFP, ANC is a step in the right direction: Analyst

Political analyst Professor Bheki Mngomezulu says the deal between the Inkatha Freedom Party ( IFP) and the African National Congress (ANC) to work together in the hung municipalities is a step in the right direction.

Earlier this month, the IFP said the party will not enter into a coalition with the ANC in hung municipalities in Kwazulu-Natal, because the party had not been honest in the past.

As political parties continue to negotiate coalitions in hung municipalities, IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa has confirmed that both parties have agreed that the party that received the most seats in a hung council, would govern that municipality.

Mngomezulu says they want to put the people first.

He says, “The fact that they have compromised in a way, means that they are concerned about the future of this province. But also, given the fact that they have worked together although we can’t say that the relationship was a nice one, but the reality of the matter is that they experience working together.”

“So what they are doing now is not necessarily something new. The difference this time is that they are not forming a coalition but at least they are agreeing for the sake of the province,” Mgomezulu adds.

In the video below the IFP provides an update on coalition talks: