IFP general-secretary Musa Zondi has dismissed as "blue lies" reports that the party's chairperson has been fired or is on the verge of being axed.

He said all the reports about Zanele Magwaza-Msibi being axed had no basis. "The chairperson herself has spoken to me about the rumours, and she too is surprised," Zondi said.

However, IFP insiders are adamant Magwaza-Msibi was called to a meeting this week where she was grilled. She has previously been accused of aligning herself with the rebellious IFP Youth Brigade, which for some time had been calling for new blood in the party leadership.

One source alleged that Magwaza-Msibi had left the party's national executive committee meeting in tears on Tuesday. He claimed this came after she was accused of sympathising with expelled IFPYB members Sikhumbuzo Khanyeza, Simphiwe Buthelezi, S'khumbuzo Buthelezi and Hlengiwe Mthiyane.

The four were expelled for calling for a leadership shake-up within the party after its dismal performance in the last elections.

Mthiyane has since apologised to the party and has been reinstated.

The expelled members were found guilty by the party's disciplinary committee for breaching the party's constitution.

According to the party's constitution, Magwaza-Msibi is the second most senior leader after president Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

And in case Buthelezi steps down, she will take over the reigns until the next conference elects a new leader.