The Inkatha Freedom Party has claimed a decisive victory in the Nongoma Local Municipality by-elections, securing three out of five contested wards.
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The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has claimed majority control of wards in the Nongoma Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal after emerging victorious in by-elections for three of the five wards in the area yesterday.
In the process, the IFP toppled and claimed control of two wards that were previously held by the National Freedom Party (NFP). As a result, the IFP's total number of seats in the Nongoma Council has increased to 23 out of 45, making it the majority party in the municipality.
The recent by-elections were necessitated by the resignation of NFP councillors. Prior to gaining ascendancy, the IFP was in coalition with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which holds two seats, and the National African People’s Front (NAPF), which has a single seat. The outright majority now gives the IFP the opportunity to implement its governance strategies without coalition constraints.
“The Inkatha Freedom Party has emerged victorious in three of the five wards contested in the by-elections held on Wednesday, delivering a strong showing that underscores the party’s growing electoral momentum and continued voter confidence,” said a spokesperson for the IFP.
Apart from its Nongoma successes, the party also celebrated a by-election win in Ward 12 of the Abaqulusi Local Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
However, the party was unable to secure victories in the by-elections held in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Despite this, the party recorded increased support in the Eastern Cape wards compared to the results of the 2021 Local Government Elections.
Since the 2021 elections, the IFP has claimed a total of 47 by-election victories nationwide, including governance in 19 municipalities with outright majorities.
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa Hlengwa noted that the results served as a clear political message of the party's growth.
“South Africans are increasingly placing their trust in the IFP as a credible alternative for stable, accountable governance,” he stated.
In extending his gratitude to all voters, leaders, activists, and volunteers for their roles, Hlengwa also urged newly elected councillors to serve with integrity and dedication.
DAILY NEWS