The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal says that it is confident in their performance and eagerly awaits the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) shared their stance on Thursday, where they provided an update on the latest developments in the province and their preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Some of the members that were present include the party Chairperson and Premier of the Province Thami Ntuli, IFP Youth Brigade Chairperson Mncedisi Maphisa and the Provincial Organiser Gabriel Malembe.
Ntuli said that the party was fully satisfied with the current administration.
“All Executive Members in this government are dedicated and committed to fulfilling their responsibilities. The IFP continues to participate meaningfully in the GPU, prioritising the resolution of pressing issues affecting the people and communities of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
Ntuli said that they were pleased that the recently held strike in the public transport sector had come to an end and acknowledged the role played by the taxi industry in commuting the people of this province and contributing to the province’s Gross Domestic Product.
He said that the party applauded the ongoing efforts of the provincial government, in partnership with the South African Police Service and other stakeholders, to address the issue of undocumented foreign nationals.
“The crackdown on illegal foreigners operating spaza shops across the province is a significant step in ensuring compliance with the law and dealing with lawlessness decisively. This initiative fulfils one of the promises we made in our manifesto ahead of the 2024 general elections,” said Ntuli.
He said that the IFP in the province remained on an upward trajectory as they picked up their growth from two IFP governed municipalities in 2011 and were currently leading more than 25 municipalities across the province.
Ntuli said that the party’s strength and stability were quite vivid in last week’s by-election at Inkosi Mtubatuba Municipality.
“The overwhelming victory in Ward 16, where the IFP’s candidate, councillor Senzo Erick Mkhize, secured more than 1,500 votes (53.04% of the valid votes cast), is a testament to our unwavering support and relevance.
“We are demonstrating our strength and relevance through our performance in by-elections, across the province. The recent victories in Nkandla ward 4, Ophongolo, Mvoti ward 10, in Newcastle and many other areas is the evidence of a party that works quietly but delivers Trust and Hope to the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
Ntuli said that the party had already begun preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
These included a two-day strategic planning session in Durban to chart the way forward.
He said that one of the resolutions taken during the provincial strategic workshop was to strengthen their branches in all voting districts to ensure that they had strong presence and engagement with people, where they did not have structures.
Ntuli said that with the elections approaching, all IFP councillors ought to strengthen their engagement with communities in order to ensure a deeper understanding of their needs.
“This will ensure that come the 2026 Local Government Elections, the IFP stands ready to expand its footprint and support base throughout the Province. We believe that our message of Trust Us and our leadership of integrity, continues to resonate with our people,” he said.a