IFP expels six Opongolo Municipality councillors from party
In April, the divisions within the IFP in Opongolo resulted in the party, despite superior numbers in the municipality, unable to elect its preferred Speaker candidate
The IFP on Wednesday announced the expulsion from the party of six of its councillors in the Ophongolo Municipality where divisions within the organisation’s caucus have been threatening to paralyse the municipality.
In April, the divisions within the IFP in Opongolo resulted in the party, despite superior numbers in the municipality, unable to elect its preferred Speaker candidate.
As a result, an ANC preferred candidate emerged despite the party having fewer seats in the municipality.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the party’s national councill “in terms of Section 11.10 of the IFP Constitution, resolved to expel, with immediate effect, six councillors serving in the Ophongolo Local Municipality”.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) National Council has, in terms of Section 11.10 of the IFP Constitution, resolved to expel, with immediate effect, six councillors serving in the Ophongolo Local Municipality.
“The former councillors were found guilty of five disciplinary charges, including, but not limited to, bringing the Party into disrepute, persistent non-compliance with lawful Party instructions, and conduct that undermined Party discipline and organisational cohesion.
“The decision of the National Council takes immediate effect. The Ophongolo Local Municipality has been formally notified of the expulsions,” he said.
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The IFP is governing the Opongolo Municipality in partnership with the DA.
In April, The Witness reported that DA Zululand constituency head Mzamo Billy said there was “complete breakdown in governance and political stability” within the IFP-led municipality.
Citing the election of an ANC preferred Speaker candidate, Mzamo said the divisions within the IFP, Billy had “effectively handed influence to the ANC at the municipality”.
“This is not just a procedural issue – it is clear evidence that the IFP is deeply divided and unable to govern effectively, creating space for the ANC to assert control through opportunistic alliances,” he said at the time.
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Only six of the IFP’s 14 councillors attended the council meeting to elect a new speaker, allowing opposition parties to fill the vacuum.
Billy also accused the IFP of being an unreliable coalition partner.
“The IFP is not acting as a coherent or reliable partner. Critical decisions are being driven by IFP factions working with the ANC, and governance processes are being undermined and politicised,” he said.
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At the time. Billy said the situation in Opongolo has resulted in the DA considering to review its position on co-operation with the IFP at the municipality.
