The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has welcomed the appointment of new MECs to the provincial cabinet.

In particular, the party noted the appointment of Human Settlements and Public Works MEC Sipho “KK” Nkosi as a positive move given what they believe to be his track record of being a disciplined and experienced leader within the province.

Nkosi has served as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) since 2009 and has chaired the KZN Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Finance since 2014.

The IFP has called on Nkosi to “ensure that the R4.3-billion Budget for the 2023/24 Financial Year allocated to the Department of Human Settlements is spent in full, that the process of providing flood victims with housing is expedited, and that all housing projects implemented by his predecessor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, are completed as planned.”

Further, they have called for the appointment of a competent and experienced head of department for the Department of Public Works.

IFP Chief Whip in KZN Blessed Gwala has urged Nkosi to investigate individuals involved in the department’s alleged R4-million “booze scandal” which took place in April at the Durban ICC during the tenure of former Arts, Sports and Culture MEC Amanda Bani-Mapena.