In a significant political development, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has emerged victorious in a by-election held in the Umhlathuze municipality of KwaZulu-Natal.
This win comes as a blow to the African National Congress (ANC), as the ward previously belonged to them before the resignation of their councilor following a shooting incident.
The IFP’s success in this by-election not only strengthens its position in the municipality but also sends a strong message about its enduring influence in South African politics.
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The Umhlathuze municipality, encompassing the cities of Richards Bay and Empangeni, has become a battleground for political parties seeking to assert their dominance.
With the IFP and ANC now holding an equal number of seats in the council, the political landscape in this region is poised for a shift. Currently, the IFP governs the municipality in a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).
Thami Ntuli, the IFP’s KwaZulu-Natal chairperson, attributes this victory to the legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the party’s late president emeritus.
He emphasizes that the IFP’s commitment to the people and its readiness to lead have been instrumental in securing this win. With the 2024 general elections approaching, the IFP aims to consolidate its position as a formidable force in the province.
The IFP secured 53.38% of the votes cast, while the ANC managed to garner 46.01%. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) trailed behind with a mere 0.61% of the votes. This substantial margin of victory underscores the growing popularity and support for the IFP in the region.
As the celebrations ensue, the focus now shifts to the newly elected councilor, Sibusiso Ndunakazi.
Thami Ntuli calls upon him to draw inspiration from Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and urges him to be a humble, respectful, and dedicated champion of service delivery for the constituents of ward 13.
The areas of Mabuyeni, Ndesheni, eMpembeni, and Mkhobosa are in dire need of effective representation and the IFP expects Ndunakazi to rise to the occasion.
This victory not only bolsters the IFP’s position in the Umhlathuze municipality but also signifies its continued relevance in South African politics.
The party’s ability to connect with the people and deliver on their promises has been pivotal in securing their support. As the political landscape evolves, it will be interesting to witness how the IFP utilizes this win to further consolidate its power and influence.
