NFP emerges as kingmaker in KZN
2011-05-19 16:49
Durban - The IFP breakaway party, the NFP will be a kingmaker in a number of municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, political analyst said on Thursday.
"It is true that politics is a cruel game. A party which was considered a non-entity has mow emerged as a kingmaker," said Nhlanhla Mtaka.
The National Freedom Party (NFP) could help other parties in the Umvoti, Mthonjaneni and Hlabisa municipalities get into more commanding positions during the formation of councils.
This would be to the detriment of its rival, the Inkatha Freedom Party.
According to audited results of 16 of the province's 61 municipalities the ANC had won 14 municipalities by noon on Thursday and the IFP two.
"We have audited results for the 16 municipalities so far and the ANC has won 14 of them," said IEC provincial chief Mawethu Mosery.
The Inkatha Freedom Party won the Mthonjaneni municipality incorporating Melmoth town, and Hlabisa municipality.
Those won by the African National Congress include Richmond, Ezinqoleni, Amajuba, Umzimkhulu, Kwa Sani, Danhauser, eMadlangeni, Newcastle, Endumeni and Umvoti. But the ANC does not have an outright majority in Umvoti. It secured 10 seats compared to the IFP's nine.
Mosery said the IEC hoped to have captured all results in the province by 20:00 on Thursday.
NFP spokesperson, Wiseman Mcoyi said they were happy with the results, saying they were working off a zero base.
"Our party was formed a few months ago. We will definitely build on what we have done," he said.
- SAPA
