Buthelezi, who leads the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), told reporters in Parliament: "Should I leave my department, as is likely, I am now confident that it has adequate administrative leadership..." Asked why he thought it was "likely" he would not return, Buthelezi responded: "The president appointed me only for five years".
The IFP was first appointed to the government of national unity in 1994 by President Nelson Mandela under a constitutional provision at the time that parties with over five per cent of the vote could serve in Cabinet.
After President Thabo Mbeki's state of the nation address last Friday, Buthelezi told reporters: "I doubt very much that I'll continue to serve. I don't think so".
He said at the time he did not think Mbeki would invite IFP leaders to serve in the new government.
He also said that he had been forced to form a coalition with the Democratic Alliance for his political survival.
Relations between the African National Congress and the IFP have become increasingly strained after the ruling party made it clear it intended to take control of KwaZulu-Natal. – Sapa.
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
