UNDERGROUND lobbying and mobilising for the Inkatha Freedom Party presidential position is rife and turning nasty.

This despite attempts by IFP national chairperson Zanele Magwaza-Msibi and general secretary Musa Zondi in a "show of unity" last week during a media briefing in Durban.

The two are both tipped to take over from party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

They pledged never to stand against Buthelezi if he chose to hold on to power.

They have vehemently distanced themselves from any "clandestine activities" ahead of the eagerly anticipated annual general conference.

Sowetan has learnt that underground lobbying and mobilisation is rife and turning nasty.

Despite an attempt to cool off tensions within the party by announcing last week that senior leader Lionel Mtshali would appear before the national executive committee today for his endorsement of Zondi as the next president, things are not at all rosy.

Those who support Magwaza-Msibi are being targeted for disciplinary action by senior leadership - to clear the way for Zondi. The latest victims of suspicious actions are Magwaza-Msibi's right hand man and bodyguard Sphamandla Ntombela and businessman Nana Sithole.

The two have been called to appear before the KwaPhindangene Traditional Court tomorrow for allegedly publicly campaigning for Magwaza-Msibi.

This comes barely weeks after IFP Youth Brigade supporters, who support Magwaza-Msibi, were expelled from the party.