National Freedom Party (NFP) Emerges as Kingmaker in KwaZulu Natal Coalition Talks

The National Freedom Party (NFP) has positioned itself as a pivotal player in the ongoing coalition deliberations in KwaZulu Natal following the inconclusive election outcome. With just a single seat in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, the NFP holds the potential to significantly influence the formation of a provincial coalition government.

In a scenario where the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) fail to reach a cooperative agreement, the NFP would be thrust into a kingmaker role. This could potentially steer a coalition between the IFP, Democratic Alliance (DA), and African National Congress (ANC) who collectively command 40 seats in the 80-member provincial legislature.

Canan Mdletshe, the secretary-general of the NFP, revealed that since the election results were released on June 2, the party has been engaged in discussions with various political entities, even at the national level. Mdletshe underscored that the NFP’s primary concern is to ensure the establishment of a stable government that can effectively serve the interests of KwaZulu-Natal’s populace.

Striving to play a constructive role in the current coalition negotiations, Mdletshe affirmed the NFP’s commitment to fostering enduring relationships in the political landscape. The NFP envisions coalition governments as a permanent fixture in the South African political arena, prompting the party to focus on building sustained affiliations rather than just responding to the immediate political landscape.

Established in 2011 by former IFP national chairperson Zanele Magwaza-Msibi, the NFP emerged as a splinter group from the IFP and has since maintained relevance in the political sphere, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.