The IFP National Chairwoman Zanele Magwaza-Msibi failed to attend a national council enquiry into her conduct that has led to widespread divisions in the IFP, the party said on Sunday.
“Magwaza-Msibi did not honour the invitation and the opportunity to clear her name,” IFP general secretary Musa Zondi said in a statement.
“The national council regrets her failure to attend, as it is committed to giving the national chairperson a fair hearing.”
Zondi said the national council would reconvene at a later date allowing Magwaza-Msibi “another” opportunity to give the party her “version of events”.
IFP leaders have been locked in a leadership battle for more than a year.
Intense lobbying for positions has divided the party into those who support Magwaza-Msibi and those who support Zondi to lead the party.
A number of IFP members have been dismissed for sowing division after they openly campaigned for Magwaza-Msibi through the Friends of VZ, the group that supported the national chairwoman.
The IFP elective conference has since been postponed indefinitely because of factions.
Sapa