By Celani Sikhakhane
- KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli pledged his loyalty to IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa during a church service.
- Ntuli also ruled himself out of the running for any top national leadership role in the party.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has thrown his full support behind IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa as the party prepares for its upcoming elective conference.
Ntuli, who is also the IFP’s provincial chairperson, was speaking during a church service at the Anglican Church at kwaNzimela in Melmoth — the very place where the IFP was founded 50 years ago.
“I am praying, Ngotsha,” Ntuli said, using Hlabisa’s clan name, “that God could continue to give you strength to lead this party. I will continue to support you in this journey of leading the IFP.”
His show of faith in Hlabisa comes as the party gets its branches ready for the delayed national elective conference.
The IFP’s leadership term under Hlabisa ended in October last year, but the party failed to hold the conference in December as planned.
It later announced that delays in auditing branches had pushed the event to this year, although no new date has been confirmed.
Despite some in the party seeing him as a possible challenger, Ntuli made it clear in December that he has no interest in taking over from Hlabisa or joining the National Executive Committee.
He said, “Why would I want to be the leader while Hlabisa is there as our president?”
Scrolla.Africa has learnt that the race for deputy president is expected to be the most contested position at the conference. Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi and Mkhuleko Hlengwa are said to be in the running.
The party last held an elective conference in 2019, where Hlabisa took over from its founder, the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Pictured above: KZN Premier Thami Ntuli kneeling in front of IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa during the 50th party anniversary at the kwaNzimela Anglican Church in Melmoth.
Image source: IFP (Enhle Kubheka)
