The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is fighting to reclaim a strategic municipal ward, with party president Velenkosini Hlabisa leading a rally in Umzumbe on Sunday. The by-election in Ward 13 was triggered by the resignation of the former IFP councillor, who defected to the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party).
The contest is set to be a three-way battle between the IFP, the African National Congress (ANC), and the MK Party. The outcome carries significance beyond a single seat, as the Umzumbe Local Municipality is currently hung, with both the ANC and IFP holding 17 council seats each.
IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa, speaking at the campaign event, framed the by-election as a critical test of the party’s strength ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
“The IFP is officially in 2026 local government election mode as of the 1st of January,” stated Hlengwa. “These by-elections are a stress test in terms of our election readiness and election machinery.”
The party’s campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of acrimony over the former councillor’s departure. Hlengwa characterized the ex-councillor as “rogue,” alleging he resigned on the eve of disciplinary action after “long complaints” from the community about “negligence” and poor service delivery.
“For us it was a case of good riddance,” Hlengwa said, adding the defector had “circumvented” the disciplinary process. “Birds of a feather flock together is right exactly where he belongs.”
He asserted the party has since selected a seasoned Proportional Representation (PR) councillor, familiar with the ward, as its new candidate to ensure continuity and address service delivery issues.
The political landscape in Umzumbe has been volatile. Last year, six or seven ANC councillors reportedly resigned to join the MKP, which gained its first municipal seat in the area. The IFP hopes to prevent the MKP from gaining another.
Hlengwa emphasized the by-election is a key moment for the IFP to demonstrate its internal accountability. “The main thing about the IFP is the ability to effect consequence management,” he said. “When councillors don’t behave, they don’t do what they are expected to do, they go.”
Looking ahead, Hlengwa confirmed the IFP’s election machinery is being activated across the province, with leaders deployed to multiple upcoming by-elections, including four in Nongoma, to prepare for 2026.
The by-election in Ward 13 is now a focal point for KwaZulu-Natal’s shifting political alliances, serving as a early indicator of party strength and voter sentiment ahead of the next major poll.