IFP achieves historic triumph
20 July 2023
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the voters of the province, who turned out in great numbers and delivered resounding victories for the IFP in the two by-elections held yesterday, Wednesday, 19 July 2023.
These crucial by-elections took place in Ward 6 of uMthonjaneni Municipality and Ward 2 of Nkandla Municipality.
In Ward 6 of uMthonjaneni, the IFP achieved a remarkable feat, successfully snatching the Ward away from the ANC with a clear and decisive majority. We are profoundly grateful to the voters of uMthonjaneni, who placed their trust in the IFP, by casting 1 377 votes for party. The ANC trailed behind with just 727 votes, while the EFF garnered only 48 votes, and an independent candidate secured 46 votes.
This astounding victory is a testament to the confidence the people of uMthonjaneni have shown in the IFP's ability to deliver services and uplift their communities.
Similarly, in Ward 2 of Nkandla, the IFP triumphantly retained the highly contested Ward with an outright majority, garnering 1 363 votes, while the ANC trailed far behind with only 383 votes.
The IFP won both these highly contested by-elections, despite numerous attempts by the ANC to sway the results through various tactics - including the use of government departments to campaign for them - via MECs and cabinet members.
The resounding victory is a clear message to ANC MECs that their affiliation with the party no longer holds much value in the eyes of communities in KZN. The people are now aware of the ANC's failed strategy and tactics of using government departments during by-elections, only to disappear once the by-elections are over.
In broad daylight, we witnessed certain ANC MECs and their departments using trucks from the Department of Transport to transfer food parcels from the Department of Social Development in an attempt to sway votes.
Moreover, we observed the sudden donation of Borman bulls and cows to the people as a way to garner support.
Fortunately, the people could not be bought. In fact, they saw through the ANC's deceptive tactics and made the right choice by voting for the IFP.
This momentous triumph by the IFP is not only a setback for the ANC but also a reflection of the waning support for the entire KZN cabinet, as well as Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
The IFP in KZN attributes this historic victory to the Founder and President Emeritus of the IFP, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. His exemplary leadership track record and unwavering commitment to the struggle and service delivery stand as a great legacy to the nation.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who voted for the IFP, our dedicated volunteers, and all the structures that contributed to this resounding success.
As we celebrate this moment, we instruct our newly elected councillors to emulate the principles of Prince Buthelezi and to be humble servants of the people, dedicated to the development and prosperity of their constituents.
The IFP remains steadfast in its commitment to serve the people with integrity, transparency, and dedication.
Together, we will continue to build a better future for all the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal.
Issued by Thami Ntuli, IFP KZN Chairperson, 20 July 2023
