In a significant move for Zululand, National Freedom Party (NFP) president Ivan Barnes has been appointed as a councillor in the Zululand District Municipality.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment as Barnes is expected to take on the role of mayor, succeeding Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Barnes’s recent swearing-in follows a noteworthy development in KwaZulu-Natal politics.
The NFP has emerged as a kingmaker after the 29 May polls, where no political party secured an outright majority.
This situation led to strategic alliances and negotiations among the major parties in the province.
The IFP, which received the second-highest votes, formed a government of provincial unity in collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the NFP, and the African National Congress (ANC).
During these negotiations, the NFP made a strategic demand: they wanted control over the Zululand and uThukela district municipalities in exchange for supporting Thami Ntuli’s election as KZN premier.
Negotiation Hurdles
However, the IFP rejected this request, emphasizing that their negotiations were focused on the national and provincial spheres, not on local government positions.
This decision led to a critical turning point, setting the stage for Barnes’s current position and his anticipated role as mayor.
Looking Ahead
With Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi resigning to serve as Cogta MEC in the province, Barnes is poised to lead the Zululand District Municipality.
This leadership change brings a new chapter for Zululand, as the NFP’s influence continues to grow within the region.