THE IFP's troubles are worsening by the day.

Three councillors in Newcastle have now resigned - while tension over who should succeed party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi when he retires continues to divide the youth.

Sowetan has learnt that IFP councillors Thulisile Thungo, Dudu Mbatha and Ntombikhona Mncube tendered their resignations on Monday.

This comes just days after another councillor, Nathi Mpanza, resigned.

The affected councillors were unavailable for comment but IFP provincial spokesperson Sbu Nkwanyana confirmed the resignations.

"At this stage, from what we have heard, they had some issues with Godfrey Bhengu, the new chairperson of the political oversight committee.

"Bhengu has been visiting our constituencies as we are busy reviewing the performances of our councillors and it appears as though the councillors were accused of not fully committing themselves, which led to them resigning," said Nkwanyana.

However, he insisted that they remained IFP members.

Bhengu was not available for comment.

And in another development, the IFP Youth Brigade's acting national chairperson Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi, pictured, has condemned the actions this week of the "unruly elements behind the illegal demonstration at the IFP's head office in Durban."

"Prince Buthelezi was democratically elected in 2004 as president of the IFP for a full five-year term, a mandate which has not yet expired."