No clarity on KZN govt impasse

2004-04-25 14:10

Cape Town - African National Congress MEC Dumisani Makhaye, speaking on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal government, on Sunday said there were no new developments on the impasse caused by the withdrawal of Inkatha Freedom Party appointments to the provincial cabinet.

"There is nothing new... if the IFP doesn't want to come (on board)... the premier will appoint the two vacancies from anybody in the legislature," said Makhaye, MEC for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs on Sunday, reiterating a position articulated 24 hours earlier.

On Saturday, Makhaye said in a statement that there was no crisis in the government, following the IFP's decision to withdraw Rev Celani Mthetwa and Inkosi Nyanga Ngubane on Friday, the same day premier Sibusiso Ndebele announced the newly constituted provincial government.

Mthetwa was appointed MEC of the public works portfolio and Ngubane as MEC for social welfare and development.

A specially convened meeting of the IFP which finished late on Saturday evening endorsed the withdrawal of the two men from the government, stating that the appointment did not meet with the "express approval" of the IFP.

"The National Council is satisfied that the ministers did the correct thing by withdrawing," said IFP national spokesperson Musa Zondi on Saturday.

Asked about whether a decision was taken by the council Zondi said the IFP would have to meet with the ANC.

He said it was "not a national issue" and discussions would be held at provincial level. Delegations from the two parties would continue with negotiations at a still to be determined date.

On Sunday, Zondi said there was "nothing new".

He did not want to be drawn into commenting on whether the IFP would name other appointees to the two vacant posts, saying he would "prefer to speak to the ANC and not communicate through the media".

- SAPA