IFP general secretary Musa Zondi has denied claims that the relationship between party president Mangosuthu Buthelezi and chairperson Zanele Magwaza-Msibi has reached rock-bottom.

He said it was not true that Buthelezi and Magwaza-Msibi were quarrelling, and dismissed the allegations as "blue lies."

On Monday Sowetan reported that the relationship between Buthelezi and Magwaza-Msibi was sour, quoting sources in the party.

This after she was accused of instigating the IFP youth to demand an overhaul of the party leadership.

But Zondi said yesterday he knew nothing about the alleged sour relationship between the two.

He said Magwaza-Msibi had asked for a week leave and that was why she had not attended the entire three-day election review indaba at the weekend.

"Though she had asked for leave the chairperson came in on Saturday and did her work, including the welcoming remarks. All we know is that she was not well," he said.

Zondi said the meeting was closed to the media and "I don't know why people twist events."

"It's clear that all this information was fe d to the media by rotten potatoes among the youth."

He said he was not aware that Magwaza-Msibi had allegedly aligned herself with the youth.

Meanwhile, Uthukela IFP youth leader Bhishi Mdakane said they were not aware of a meeting between his structure and Magwaza-Msibi.

He said Magwaza-Msibi had never influenced them to seek an overhaul of the party leadership.