Inkatha Freedom Party

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is a political party in South Africa. As of 2003, it is led by Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Post-Apartheid Politics

After the dismantling of apartheid system in 1994, the IFP formed an uneasy coalition in KwaZulu/Natal with their traditional political rival, the ANC. This coalition was to last until 2004 when the IFP joined the Democratic Alliance (South Africa), the major opposition party/coalition to the currently dominant ANC.

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The IFP seeks to resolve a number of South African issues, especially the AIDs crisis, in addition to addressing, "unemployment, crime, poverty and corruption and prevent the consolidation of a one-party state"(IFP Official Website). The "prevention of a one-party state" is with regards to the ruling ANC, which is perceived by many as making efforts to undemocratically consolidate power for their own party. The IFP also states that "Our proposals are designed to give people control over their lives: a hand up, not a hand down. Social justice for all. We also have the political will to deal effectively with these problems."

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