The IFP has always done what is in the best interests of the country. We believe in constructive engagements to take our country forward and have always been open to working with anyone who shares our values and principles.
On this basis, the IFP has welcomed the invitation from the Hon. Mr Steenhuisen to engage a national convention of likeminded opposition parties to investigate how we might collectively strengthen South Africa’s future.
However, to be clear: the IFP has not entered into an Election Coalition Agreement with any party but believes there is a need for political parties to talk. Further, while we welcome the opportunity to engage with fellow opposition parties, we must also caution the DA to take note of the concerns that have been aired this week by other parties that have criticised the DA as adopting a “big brother” stance on this issue.
It is essential that we create an environment and an engagement of parties that can work successfully, should the electorate not give one political party a 50 + 1 percent majority in 2024.
The IFP is already taking the necessary steps to safeguard the future, taking heed of lessons learned from countries with a long history of successful coalition governments, such as Germany and Denmark, which we visited together with other opposition parties.
Over the IFP’s 48 years of existence, we have engaged constructive conversations many times with diverse organisations. The success of such initiatives has been predicated on the IFP’s firm commitment to serving the ideals of democracy, equality, social justice, economic development, and honest leadership. We will not compromise our ideals and will engage discussions from a foundation of extensive experience.
The IFP knows what works and what does not work when it comes to political pacts. We will therefore offer our wisdom to this Convention in the hope that it might avoid the common errors that have weakened past working relationships between opposition parties.
The current unstable situation in COJ, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane, to mention a few, is of great concern to voters. What South Africans hope for, and are asking for, right now, is that likeminded parties begin exploring successful working relations so that we can steer our country out of crisis.
The IFP is responsive to the cry of the people. It is time for a constructive engagement of parties that will become a government of renewal.
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Contact
Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539
