The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) was seemingly pressured by its longtime coalition partner, the DA, to urgently meet with the National Freedom Party to iron out their differences and save the KwaZulu-Natal government of provincial unity (GPU) from collapsing.
This was deduced from a confidential letter dated 4 February 2026, seen by the African Times, which was addressed to the IFP’s Provincial Chairperson, Thami Ntuli.
In the letter, the DA in KwaZulu-Natal raised concerns that the IFP was the only GPU partner that had not met with the NFP to understand its concerns after it abruptly pulled out of the GPU late last year.
The IFP and the NFP have a historically frosty relationship since 2011, with the latter repeatedly accusing the former of funding the years-long lawfare within its ranks.
“On the 12th of January 2026, it was agreed between the IFP, ANC and DA, that each party would engage with the NFP on a bilateral basis in an effort to bring them back to the table.
It has been noted through a response by the NFP to our proposed multiparty meeting that the IFP and NFP have yet to have such a bilateral engagement.
“This is very concerning for the DA considering the resolution of the parties in January. The DA in KZN is of the view that urgent clarity on the status of talks between the NFP and IF now needs to be sought through a formal bilateral meeting with your party,” reads the DA’s letter to the IFP.
A day later, on 5 February 2026, the IFP wrote to the NFP proposing a meeting on 16 February, though a venue has not yet been confirmed.
“The negotiating team of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) kindly requests an audience with the National Freedom Party to discuss matters relating to the relations within the GPU,” wrote the IFP.
In the same letter to Ntuli, the DA also sought clarity on whether the IFP is engaging with political parties outside the GPU, expressing concern over potential instability as the province approaches its budget process.
“We are also seeking an understanding if talks are being held with parties outside of the GPU as indicated by the NFP. The DA is also very concerned about the potential instability of the GPU as we head into the budget process, which could impact the viability of the government, which the DA needs to have a position on.”
