The National Democratic Convention (Nadeco) on Thursday confirmed it has approached Inkatha Freedom Party MPL Jabulani Maphalala to join its ranks.
Maphalala, who is based at the University of Zululand, was fired by the IFP on Wednesday — apparently after allegations that he was going to defect to Nadeco.
Nadeco was established by former IFP national chairperson Ziba Jiyane in August.
Nadeco spokesperson S’khululiwe Mathonsi said on Thursday: ”Professor Maphalala is one of the people we spoke to. We were hoping he would join us, but he did not make any promises.”
She said Maphalala told them he was going to take his expulsion from the IFP to court ”and we know he will win just like the UDM [United Democratic Movement] members”.
Neither Maphalala nor the IFP could immediately be reached for comment.
However, on Wednesday IFP spokesperson Musa Zondi said his party has opposed floor-crossing from the beginning.
”It is the most immoral piece of legislation passed by our Parliament since 1994,” said Zondi.
The UDM on Wednesday expelled six of its MPs and MPLs and the Independent Democrats gave the boot to its deputy leader and Gauteng MPL Themba Sono.
But both the UDM group and Sono on Wednesday night applied for, and were granted, court orders that for the moment prevent their parties from installing anyone else in their seats. — Sapa