IFP's Mkhuleko Hlengwa refutes claims he is eyeing party's deputy president post

PROMINENT IFP member Mkhuleko Hlengwa has strongly denied claims he was eyeing the party’s deputy president post and declared his “unwavering” support for the party’s current leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa.

This statement came as the IFP prepares for its highly anticipated elective conference later this year, where Hlabisa was expected to stand for re-election for the party’s top post.

In an interview with the Daily News, Hlengwa said, “I have no ambitions for many positions. The individuals making these claims are simply using my name to create division within our party.” 

He emphasised that leadership positions within the IFP were decided solely by the party’s branches.

Despite the speculation surrounding his intentions, Hlengwa made it clear that he was fully backing Hlabisa for another term as party president.

“What I do support, however, is the re-election of President Velenkosini Hlabisa. He has my fullest support because he is an exemplary leader. My commitment to his leadership is unwavering. This is why our late leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, endorsed him to lead the party,” said Hlengwa. 

Hlabisa, who has led the IFP since 2019, was expected to face stiff competition at the upcoming conference. 

Among those speculated to challenge him were the provincial chairperson of the party in KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli, who also served as the premier of KZN. 

Additionally, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, the current IFP Deputy President, and Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KZN, have also been mentioned as possible contenders.

Although Ntuli had publicly stated that he will not run for the position of president, several insiders believed he may reconsider and challenge Hlabisa for the leadership role.

The upcoming conference will be the first in the IFP’s history without its founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away in 2023. As a result, there were concerns that intense competition could potentially lead to divisions within the party, especially given Buthelezi’s role in jealousy guarding the unity of the party. 

The IFP had already postponed its elective conference several times, with some members suggesting that the delay was partly due to fears of internal conflict.

Hlengwa, who served as the Deputy Minister of Transport in the Government of Unity (GNU), criticised those who may attempt to use the leadership contest to divide the party. 

“There are individuals trying to exploit my name to create division within the IFP. I stand against any such attempts. I want to see a united party,” he said.

The IFP currently leads the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KZN, in partnership with the DA, the ANC and the National Freedom Party (NFP).

Durban-based political analyst Thobani Zikalala, previously told Daily News that he expected a fierce contest between Ntuli and Hlabisa, if both decided to run for president. Zikalala cautioned that the contest could exacerbate alleged divisions between the supporters of the two leaders, although both Hlabisa and Ntuli have denied claims of a rift.

“It will be interesting to see how the IFP handles the leadership contest without its founder, Prince Mangosuthu. This will be the party’s biggest test in terms of managing any potential factions that may emerge,” said Zikalala.

He further noted that holding a successful national conference could demonstrate internal democracy within the party, but warned that poor management of the process could backfire, particularly with the 2026 local government elections on the horizon.

“If not handled carefully, this contest could damage the IFP's unity and impact its performance in the upcoming elections,” Zikalala concluded.

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