President of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa is set to replace the late IFP Founder and President Emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in the National Assembly, the Party announced in a statement.
This decision was taken at the IFP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, which also resolved that the vacancy in the KZN Legislature, owing to the resignation of Hlabisa, will be filled by Rev Musa Zondi.
Consequently, the leader of the Official Opposition in the KZN Provincial Legislature will now be IFP National Chairperson, Blessed Gwala MPL, who previously served as the Party’s Chief Whip.
RELATED STORY: Parliament pays tribute to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
According to the IFP statement, these appointments are effective immediately. The Party expects the IEC and the National Assembly to facilitate the necessary administrative processes in due course.
“The NEC has taken these decisions consistent with the party’s smooth leadership transition and believes that these changes will take forward the legacy and life’s work of Prince Buthelezi, entrench Party unity, and consolidate the IFP’s onward march to the 2024 National and Provincial Elections,” the IFP statement read.
The IFP reiterated its confidence in President Hlabisa and wished him well in his new responsibilities as its Parliamentary Leader.
