The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has said it will not close the door to talks about forming a coalition government with the African National Congress (ANC) after May elections.
On the sidelines of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC) media briefing, IFP leader Belenkosini Hlavisa outlined the 11 parties' plans for social relief for households living in poverty.
Hlavisa said he believed a grand coalition of various smaller parties would be the solution if the MPC was unable to win an absolute majority to govern the country.
He said the IFP may consider consulting with the ANC as a last resort.
“We believe in openness. We believe in engagement. We believe in principles. If principles are not followed, we cannot even agree with the ruling party. But we believe in moving our country forward. If the principles that we think are fulfilled, then it's a different story, because the 20% ANC is a different ANC than the one that abused its majority in government. 's prayer is to completely eliminate the ruling party and bring fresh ideas to the people.
Speculation remains rife as to whether the MPC will stand the test of time, especially as some of its members are adamant that they will not work with any particular political party under any circumstances.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has made it clear that it will not work with the economic freedom fighters EFF, while ActionSA says it will never work with the ANC.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said his party was now focused on winning and securing the MPC's accountability after the election.
Tackling household poverty
Meanwhile, during the election campaign, the group held its sixth media interview since its formation, focusing on its social relief goals for poor households.
The MPC will increase subsidies for children and the elderly in line with the food poverty line, expand social subsidies for expectant mothers, and introduce means testing to identify true social welfare beneficiaries. It says it will use more social workers, hire more social workers in densely populated areas and build more housing. Close to economic centers.
United Independence Movement leader Neil De Beer said, perhaps prompted by fears among some people that subsidies could become a thing of the past if the ANC is unable to govern after May's elections. It sent a simple but clear message.
Video | IFP does not close door to coalition talks with ANC:
