IFP, ANC reach agreement

CAPE TOWN – After weeks of negotiations with the African National Congress, the Inkatha Freedom Party has accepted three ministerial positions in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government.

The IFP originally withdrew two of its officials from the provincial executive, announced at the end of April. At the time the IFP said the appointments had not met with the “express approval” of the party.Yesterday IFP spokesman Musa Zondi confirmed that the talks have been finalised.”We have finalised talks and have reached an agreement, which the premier [Sibusiso Ndebele] will announce tomorrow.Three new MECs will take up positions.”Zondi could not say which portfolios the MECs will take up.”Lets leave it to the premier to announce.They offered us three positions during the negotiations,” he said.The ANC is expected to release a statement on the issue soon.-Nampa-SapaAt the time the IFP said the appointments had not met with the “express approval” of the party.Yesterday IFP spokesman Musa Zondi confirmed that the talks have been finalised.”We have finalised talks and have reached an agreement, which the premier [Sibusiso Ndebele] will announce tomorrow.Three new MECs will take up positions.”Zondi could not say which portfolios the MECs will take up.”Lets leave it to the premier to announce.They offered us three positions during the negotiations,” he said.The ANC is expected to release a statement on the issue soon.-Nampa-Sapa