Despite holding talks with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) over the weekend in Durban, the National Freedom Party (NFP) has confirmed it remains outside the KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) and will back efforts to unseat Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NFP said discussions with the IFP are ongoing but have not yet concluded. It added that it is happy to remain in the opposition benches of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in Pietermaritzburg.

“Our position stands firm: we are content to serve on the opposition benches. To date, no commitments or agreements have been made with any party. The NFP anticipates that further engagements may occur should they be deemed necessary, and it should be noted that all parties have indicated their intention to revert to the NFP during the second phase of engagements,” the party said.

The NFP also revealed that it has held separate engagements with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). During those talks, the three parties reached a mutual agreement to support a second motion of no confidence against Premier Ntuli.

“As part of our ongoing political participation and progression, the NFP convened close engagements with the MKP and EFF to deliberate on respective positions regarding the state of the KZN-GPU.

“During these discussions, the second round of the Motion of No Confidence against the KZN Premier, Thami Ntuli, was tabled. A mutual agreement was reached: the MKP, EFF, and NFP have resolved to support the second round of the Vote of No Confidence. Further details of these discussions will be made public in due course,” it added.

The development signals growing instability within the KZN GPU and raises the prospect of a renewed challenge to the IFP-led provincial government.