Lindsay Dentlinger17 April 2024 | 4:52

IFP's Hlabisa backs Multi-Party Charter to be better at governing than ANC

With IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa predicting the ANC would fall below 50% in support in next month's polls, he said that the groundwork had been laid for a coalition government.

IFP's Hlabisa backs Multi-Party Charter to be better at governing than ANC

IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa at the Cape Town Press Club on 16 April 2024. Picture: IFP media.

CAPE TOWN - Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said that while he did not agree with Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen labeling smaller political parties "mercenaries" for wanting to campaign in its stronghold of the Western Cape, the Multi-Party Charter was on a firm footing to govern as a coalition. 
 
With Hlabisa predicting the African National Congress (ANC) would fall below 50% in support in next month's polls, he said that the groundwork had been laid for a coalition government. 
 
Speaking at the Cape Town Press Club on Tuesday, Hlabisa said his party would be a solid coalition partner evidenced by the stability in municipalities where it shared power.

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Last year, Deputy President Paul Mashatile led a national dialogue towards a framework for strengthening and stabilising coalitions but nothing has since come of it. 
 
Hlabisa believes while operating as independent parties with diverse views, together, the Multi-Party Charter will be better at governing than the ANC. 
 
He's invited political minnows, Build One South Africa (BOSA) and Rise Mzansi, to join the bloc despite Steenhuisen being slammed for his comments about new players looking to enter the political fray.
 
"What the DA is saying, is their view, which we do not agree with. The DA is entitled to its opinions. They can say whatever they like because in the Multi-Party Charter we are not one political party."
 
Hlabisa says it's unlikely, however, that his party will form partnerships with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or the ANC.