The Inkatha Freedom Party (IPF) says it’s working towards demystifying the myth that they are a regional or tribal party. It has opened its first office in Mahikeng, North West.
Though the IFP has been contesting elections in the North West, it has not managed to secure a seat at any of the municipalities or in the provincial legislature.
The Tautona Velenkosini Hlabisa House has been unveiled. The IFP says it’s on a mission to make inroads into the North West.
“The IFP was banned in Transkei, it was banned in Ciskei, it was banned in Bophuthatswana, it was banned in Venda. So, you can see that IFP is a national party that represents the people of South Africa,” says Blessed Gwala, IFP National Chairperson.
With voting patterns having changed in the past general elections, resulting in the formation of the Government of National Unity, the IFP hopes to gain more support in other provinces outside of KZN.
“The outcome of the 2024 national and provincial elections has brought about a different political landscape and dynamics in South Africa. We all have to be alive to that, that people are not now just voting because you were the liberation movement. They are looking at parties and leaders that can deliver. And that is why with leaders like ubaba Gwabeni here, we are seizing this opportunity as the IFP so that he can develop more leaders here and we can be relevant in the North West Province,” says Narend Singh, IFP Treasurer-General.
The party now has its eyes fixed on the 2026 local government elections.
“Leadership is going to be trained here, young people, women, all of them are going to be inspired from the Tautona Velenkosini Hlabisa office and they will be moving every square inch of the province. I can only say to our people, that we have heard your complaints. You have now been answered. We are coming. If we were talking biblical terms, this is your Joshua, it will take you to the promised land,” says Themba Gwabeni, IFP Acting North West Chairperson.
The IFP says they will put hands together to work towards growing support in the North West.
Video: North West – IFP opens first office in Mahikeng
