IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa has declared that the party is “fully in election mode” following a string of recent by-election victories in KwaZulu-Natal, which he says demonstrates a “growing trust from voters.”
Hlabisa was speaking to the media on Wednesday during the unveiling of former MK Party secretary-general Dr Bongani Mncwango as a new IFP member.
The Winning Streak
“The IFP is fully in election mode. Our recent by-election successes reflect a growing trust from voters, and we are determined to build on this momentum.”
The winning streak began in December with a victory in a by-election. It continued into the new year with wins in January and February. In March, the IFP secured all three by-elections held on the same day two in Nongoma and one in Abaqulusi.
The Strategy
Ahead of the upcoming local government elections, Hlabisa announced that the party’s National Council will meet on Monday to map out a clear direction towards the polls. This will be succeeded by an extended National Council gathering on 19 April , with more than 600 leaders assembling to solidify strategy.
“The first priority is to maintain the municipalities we govern now. We are working very hard on a consolidation strategy to consolidate what we have. Secondly, we are working very hard on advancing to new municipalities.”
Eyes on Hung Municipalities
“We have our eyes on a number of municipalities which are hung municipalities as we speak. Some of those municipalities are not under our control, and that is where our eyes are.”
Hlabisa said the IFP has won over 40 by-elections , a record unmatched by any other political party in KZN, and the majority were taken from other political parties.
“I wouldn’t want to mention them by name because I might wake up people who are asleep. We know them. Our eyes are on them.”
Ntuli’s Comments
IFP KZN chairperson Thamsanqa Ntuli added: “We did not win by elections because only IFP voted for the IFP. People of KwaZulu-Natal voted for the IFP.”
“That is inspiring and encouraging that, as a party, in fact, we are at a point wherein people are able to identify the significance of the IFP in providing service to the people in government.”
The Bottom Line
Over 40 by-election wins. A winning streak from December to March. Eyes on hung municipalities.
The IFP says it’s in election mode. And in KZN, they believe the momentum is on their side.
