Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
18 February 2024 | 11:54 CAT

IFP snatches three wards from the ANC. Photo: IFP/ Facebook.

The Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal is celebrated after it managed resounding victories in the recent by-elections in Ward 2 of Phongolo Municipality and Ward 11 of Osizweni in Newcastle.

In Ward 2 of Phongolo, situated in the far North of KZN, the IFP retained its seat with an impressive 890 votes, surpassing the MK’s 687 votes, while the ANC garnered 595 votes and the EFF received only 52 votes. The party also demonstrated its growth in the province in Ward 11 of Osizweni in Newcastle after a resounding victory by one-thousand-298 votes.

The party’s provincial chairman, Thami Ntuli. As the organisation, they were humbled by the victory in the by-election from Pongola and Newcastle.

Ntuli said the victory gave them strength and confidence as they approach the general elections.

“As the IFP in the province, we remain happy for the victory of the two wards. The significance of these two by-elections is that it affords us strength as we prepare for the provincial and national elections because that is the only barometer to measure the support of a political party when there are elections.

“These by elections play a crucial role in showing where people’s support is leaning towards come elections time,” he added.

“These outcomes reflect the enduring trust and confidence that the people of KZN place in the IFP.

The overwhelming support received in these by-elections strongly indicates the electorate’s endorsement of the IFP’s vision and leadership,” the IFP stated.

Though the IFP had won the by-election, former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party continues to be a threat to both the ANC and the IFP. This was seen by their recent results in the by-election, which showed improvements from their last contest.

The party managed to take away votes from the IFP and now, recently, from the ANC.

Ward 2 (Ncotshane) uPhongolo, Zululand: IFP 36% (48%) ANC 33% (43%) MK 28% EFF 2% (2%).

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.