IFP: KZN BY-ELECTIONS SHOW 'VZ' BREAKWAY PARTY A NON-STARTER

The IFP, which only won one of the four by-elections held across KwaZulu-Natal yesterday, nevertheless captured more votes than the "independent" candidates who, in all but name, represented a breakaway party IFP National Chairperson Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi is contemplating.

"All kaMagwaza-Msibi has managed to do in Estcourt and Eshowe was to hand these former IFP strongholds to the ANC without seriously challenging the IFP through her own breakaway candidates," said IFP National Organiser Albert Mncwango MP.

The IFP is aware that yesterday's by-elections in Hlabisa, Estcourt and Eshowe were seen as a litmus test of potential support for kaMagwaza-Msibi's new political party should she choose to establish one. "If this was a test, kaMagwaza-Msibi has failed it dismally and she knows it," said Mncwango.

While the IFP is pleased with the by-election result in Hlabisa where it trounced all other candidates, it is distressed by the results in Eshowe and Estcourt. "The Estcourt by-election result is particularly disconcerting since the ANC took the ward from the IFP by a mere two votes," said Mncwango.

Despite these by-election losses, the IFP remains optimistic that it continues to offer voters in KwaZulu-Natal a more viable alternative to the ANC than any breakaway party.

"Yesterday's by-elections represent a second blow to kaMagwaza-Msibi's ambitions to lead a credible opposition party in this province after the IFP National Chairperson lost her court battle against the IFP on Monday," said Mncwango.

Statement issued by the Inkatha Freedom Party, January 20 2011

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