While Mangosuthu Buthelezi will not be standing for re-election as IFP leader after 44 years at the helm - he will remain the face of the IFP's campaign for the upcoming elections.
AFP
The party briefed reporters in Durban last night on the decisions of its Extended National Council.
Buthelezi - who turns 91 this year - has served as party president since founding the IFP in 1975.
He first announced that he would be stepping down in 2017.
Buthelezi will however continue to serve in an advisory role.
"It is not easy to accept what is being asked of you. I have agreed for only one reason - the elections are less than 100 days away, so in the interest of the party and the country I could not refuse," Buthelezi said.
"I have served for a lifetime and if I am asked to take 100 more steps towards the end of my journey I will do so."
Senior party leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, who has been touted as the next IFP president, is expected to lead the party's 2019 election campaign alongside Buthelezi.
