Latest news with #Hlabisa
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa calls for a cost-effective National Dialogue
Cogta Minister and IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa urges a cost-effective National Dialogue focused on real solutions, not excessive spending, to address South Africa's deepening inequality and unresolved national issues. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says the upcoming National Dialogue must not be a costly talk shop, but rather a serious, inclusive, and solution-driven process to address South Africa's long-standing social, political, and economic challenges. Speaking in his capacity as part of the cabinet preparatory team for the Dialogue, Hlabisa expressed concern over the excessive budget allocated for the process and called for a comprehensive review of its costs. The IFP views the National Dialogue, set to take place on August 15, 2025, as a continuation of the CODESA talks that ushered in political freedom in 1994 but left many key issues unresolved. 'We are opposed to the excessive cost in relation to the National Dialogue,' said Hlabisa. 'It must not be done at an exorbitant price.' He specifically raised alarm over the reported R700 million earmarked for the Dialogue, calling it unjustifiable in a country grappling with deep poverty and inequality. 'In our meeting, we expressed our disquiet in terms of the figure that was mentioned,' Hlabisa said.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP Reaffirms Role in Government and Calls for Justice Reforms
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said that the IFP remains dedicated to its position within the GNU and the government of provincial unity. Image: Picture: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has reaffirmed its commitment to being a vocal and active participant in South Africa's government of national unity (GNU) while sharply criticising the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for what it describes as poor performance. IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa made these remarks during a media briefing on Monday afternoon, where the party reflected on its role in governance at national and provincial levels and addressed concerns related to crime and justice in the country. Hlabisa emphasised that the IFP remains dedicated to its position within the GNU and the government of provincial unity (GPU). He said the party's participation in these governments is aimed at healing divisions from the past while advancing a vision of inclusivity and development. 'The IFP is in the GNU or GPU to govern and to be part of governance. But this does not dilute the image or identity of the IFP,' Hlabisa stated. He highlighted the party's involvement in the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provincial governments and said their efforts are making an impact, particularly in crime reduction and economic development. Turning to the issue of political violence, Hlabisa addressed recent allegations of political interference made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The IFP supports President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and establish a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate these claims. The party sees this move as aligning with its recommendations. Hlabisa stressed that challenges within the South African Police Service (SAPS) are central to the ongoing problem of political violence and the slow progress in solving political murder cases. The IFP has called for a comprehensive investigation into political interference and any disruptions that have hindered the work of law enforcement agencies in these matters. 'The allegations by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi have deepened the trust deficit between the police service and the public. This must be addressed through proper investigation and due process,' Hlabisa said. He expressed concern that a police-led investigation may not be suitable given the focus on SAPS in the allegations. The party also criticised the National Prosecuting Authority for not doing enough to secure timely prosecutions, especially regarding the findings of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into state capture. Hlabisa described the NPA's current performance as a source of public mistrust and a 'bleeding wound' in the justice system. Restoring confidence in the security and legal institutions is a key priority for the IFP as the country prepares for the upcoming National Dialogue. Hlabisa recalled the vision of IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who championed honest and inclusive discussions on critical issues such as land reform, traditional leadership, poverty, and social cohesion. The party supports the National Dialogue process, believing it to be essential for fostering true nationhood through open conversations and cooperation among South Africans. 'South Africa needs more than hope. We need united effort to rebuild and transform our nation,' Hlabisa said. 'This requires urgency, meaningful reform, and active participation from all sectors of society. The time has come to move beyond words and take decisive action.'
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP stands firm on KwaZulu-Natal's controversial decision to place ANC-led municipality under administration
IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa has defended KwaZulu-Natal government's decision to place the ANC-led municipality under administration. Image: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs / Facebook The IFP has vowed to defend the KwaZulu-Natal government's decision to place the struggling ANC-led Umkhanyakude District Municipality under administration despite the ANC's defiance. In a media briefing on Monday afternoon, President Velenkosini Hlabisa dismissed ANC's assertion that the provincial government is targeting municipalities under its leadership for political reasons. There was a drama last week when IFP's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi was physically prevented from entering the premises of the municipality, in the north of the province, to formally introduce the appointed administrator, Bamba Ndwandwe. Hlabisa stated that the government's decision remains firm and will not be influenced by political pressures. 'This is not a political intervention. This is a Cabinet decision. As long as municipalities are passing unfunded budgets, Section 139 will apply. You can go and check the financial audit outcome of that municipality. It is not good; therefore, it qualifies for an intervention of this kind,' said Hlabisa. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who was at the briefing, said there was a unanimous decision in the Cabinet with all MECs, including the three from the ANC; therefore, he did not understand why the leadership is challenging it. He said Umkhanyakude was placed under administration alongside two IFP-led district municipalities, so the assertion by the ANC that it is targeting its municipalities was unfounded. 'We removed an ANC-led Mooi Mpofana Local Municipality from the administration in the same Cabinet meeting, so we do not understand why the ANC is complaining in Umkhanyakude,' said Ntuli. He also announced that the municipality has taken the government to court for the matter. In a statement last week, the ANC said it vehemently rejected the unwarranted and politically charged decision by MEC Buthelezi to invoke Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality. It said the so-called intervention is nothing short of abuse of constitutional provisions for political gain, adding that it lacks merit, rationale, and integrity. 'The ANC is appalled by the continued misuse of Section 139(1)(b) by the MEC, who has turned what should be a last-resort mechanism into a political weapon, one that is selectively and cynically deployed against ANC-led municipalities, regardless of their performance. 'The uMkhanyakude District Municipality has made tangible progress in governance, financial recovery, and service delivery. There is no objective basis for this draconian step, which appears designed not to improve governance, but to score narrow political points and destabilise a functional administration,' read the statement. The party said it stands with the Council of uMkhanyakude District Municipality in resisting the opportunistic, mischievous, and dangerous actions of a power-mongering MEC who is hell-bent on destabilising a functional municipality and undermining service delivery to communities. It vowed to actively mobilise its supporters and communities to resist the advances of an MEC who the party described as having clearly defined himself outside of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). There are fears that the continued souring of relations between these two major partners of the GPU may create instability in the province, which is known for its political complexities. [email protected].
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
IFP reaffirms GNU role, slams NPA and urges reforms within justice system
The IFP reaffirmed its commitment to the GNU while demanding action on political killings and faster prosecutions. Inkatha Freedom Party president Velenkosini Hlabisa is seen at the IFP's Health and Welfare Summit, 14 July 2023, in Fourways. Picture: Michel Bega/ The Citizen The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has reiterated its commitment to remaining a 'vocal participant' in the government of national unity (GNU) as it took aim at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said the party remains a vocal participant within the GNU, holding the government to its promise of transparency and swift justice. The party president said this during an IFP media briefing on Monday afternoon. The party reflected on matters pertaining to South Africa's governance, the GNU and the government of provincial unity (GPU). IFP reaffirmed its GNU role 'The IFP is in the GNU or GPU in order to govern or be part of governance. But this does not dilute the image of the IFP,' Hlabisa said. Hlabisa reiterated the IFP's commitment to the GNU and GPUs, saying that they embody a vision of healing the wounds of the past while working towards a brighter and inclusive South Africa. ALSO READ: Steenhuisen has made a bad situation worse with tactical blunders 'After one year of participating in the GNU, the Gauteng GPU and leading the KwaZulu-Natal GPU, we believe our impact can be felt at every level, but particularly on crime reduction and economic development,' the leader said. Speaking of crime, the party addressed allegations of political interference made by KwaZulu-Natal's police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The IFP said President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and to establish a judicial commission of inquiry aligns with the party's recommendation to the president. Party calls for full-scale investigation Hlabisa said this demonstrates the party's influence in the GNU, adding that problems within the South African Police Service (Saps) lie at the core of political violence and the failure to resolve political murder cases. The IFP also called for a full-scale investigation into political interference and disruptions that have hindered the progress of political killing investigations. ALSO READ: National dialogue is being used as the beating stick for ANC, DA 'The allegations by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi have entrenched a trust deficit between the Saps and the country, which must be reversed through due process and through investigation,' Hlabisa said. The party believes that a Saps-led investigation is not an option under the circumstances, given the focus on the Saps in investigations. The IFP also took aim at the NPA, saying it needs to do more and better, refocusing itself on speedy prosecutions, especially on the findings of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into state capture. NPA needs to do 'more and better' IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa says: "The work of the NPA so far does not inspire any confidence, and it is a bleeding ground for public mistrust. Restoring public trust in our security and legal system remains our priority." — SABC News (@SABCNews) July 21, 2025 'The work of the NPA, so far, does not inspire any confidence, and it is a bleeding wound. It is a bleeding ground for public mistrust,' Hlabisa said. The party leader added that restoring public trust in the security and legal systems remains the IFP's priority when it comes to the question of the National Dialogue. ALSO READ: National Dialogue: Ramaphosa slams DA 'hypocrisy', says party will miss out on 'biggest show in SA' He recalled the vision of IPF founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who emphasised the importance of a National Dialogue on issues like land reform, traditional leadership, poverty and social cohesion. Hlabisa said the party believes that South Africa's future depends on an open, inclusive and honest dialogue amongst its citizens. IFP supports National Dialogue As a result, the IPF supports the upcoming National Dialogue, recognising that genuine nationhood can only be achieved when leaders listen to the cries of the people and work together. 'South Africa needs more than just hope. We need a united effort to rebuild and transform our nation,' Hlabisa said. 'This requires a sense of genuine urgency, decisive reform and active participation for all sectors of our society. The current moment demands that we go beyond mere talk.' Watch the IFP media briefing here: NOW READ: The DA must decide to stay in GNU or step aside
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Almost 40 municipalities facing sanctions from Treasury over mismanagement
Water boards in four provinces are owed a combined R17.7 billion while municipalities have not been paying pension fund contributions. Municipalities with poor payment records are risking a backlash from National Treasury. A letter was recently sent to Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Velenkosini Hlabisa, warning that vital payments to municipalities would be throttled should they not get their accounts in order. Almost 40 municipalities were flagged by Treasury for owing water boards billions, as well as not honouring pension fund and medical aid payments of staff. Defaulting municipalities Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana wrote to Hlabisa on 30 June, giving the Cogta minister seven days to acknowledge the treasury's demands. Godongwana threatened to invoke section 216(2) of the constitution, which would place restrictions on Local Government Equitable Share (LGES) grant payments. A total of 39 municipalities are in the finance minister's crosshairs, including eight that owe the South African Revenue Service (Sars) a combined R197.5 million. Those eight and a further 13 have unpaid third-party pension fund contributions amounting to R819.5 million. The worst offender is Kopanong Local Municipality with R330 million in unpaid pension contributions, followed by Mafube and Mohokare municipalities with R253.4 million and R147.9 million, respectively. All three fall under the Free State government, which has been accused of prioritising 'exorbitant' salaries over service delivery. 'Withholding funds from struggling municipalities is not enough. All three levels of government have a responsibility to ensure that residents' rights are protected,' stated the Freedom Front Plus' Armand Cloete. Over R17 billion owed for water Unpaid pension fund contributions were dwarfed by the amount owed by municipalities to water boards. Treasury singled out 18 municipalities from four water boards, which have a combined debt of R17.7 billion. Matjhabeng Local Municipality — also in the Free State — has amassed a bill of R8.1 billion, while Merafong and Emfuleni municipalities in Gauteng each have debts exceeding R1 billion. The municipalities must provide Godongwana with proof that the amounts will be settled or face receiving only partial LGES payments, which will be earmarked solely for the debts owed. The finance minister warned that should those conditions not be met, he would motivate to Parliament for the cessation of all LGES payments to these defaulting municipalities. Hlabisa's office did not respond to requests for additional information, but Cogta's Free State office did acknowledge questions sent by The Citizen, with that response still pending at the time of publication. NOW READ: When is the deadline to register for free basic electricity?
