Under Velenkosini Hlabisa, the IFP has recorded 47 by-elections victories since 2021.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal has finally reclaimed Nongoma Local Municipality after scooping two crucial wards from its archrival, the NFP.
In the 2021 Local Government Elections, the IFP was forced to co-govern the rural town with the EFF after failing to win a majority of seats. In 2023, the party relinquished power following the dumping by the EFF, which formed a coalition with the ANC and NFP.
However, last year, the IFP resuscitated its relationship with the EFF and grabbed power back by removing the NFP-led coalition through a vote of no confidence. The IFP, with 20 seats, teamed up with the EFF, which has two, and the National People’s Front with one.
By winning both by-elections on Wednesday, together with one two weeks ago, the IFP is now in firm control of the 45-seat council with 23 seats, which empowers it to constitute a government without assistance from any party.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s national spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the party said the crucial back-to-back win underscores its growing electoral momentum and continued voter confidence.
“These results send a clear political message: South Africans are increasingly placing their trust in the IFP as a credible alternative for stable, accountable governance. We thank all voters, leaders, activists, and volunteers for their contribution to this success. We call on our newly-elected councillors to serve with integrity and dedication, as the party builds momentum towards the 2026 local government elections,” read the statement.
Wards 7 and 20 became vacant following the resignation of the NFP councillors. Two weeks ago, the IFP also won Ward 17, which was also left vacant by the NFP councillor.
The IFP further contested Ward 32 in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Ward 14 in Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. While the party did not win these wards, it said it recorded increased support compared to the 2021 Local Government Elections, signalling growing national appeal.
Since 2021, the IFP has secured 47 by-election victories and now governs 19 municipalities with outright majority.