The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has launched its manifesto for the upcoming local government elections in South Africa, scheduled for November 4. Party president Velenkosini Hlabisa addressed thousands of supporters at KwaMashu's Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban, where he emphasized the party's commitment to delivering on its promises. Hlabisa pointed to the party's record in municipalities it controls, highlighting achievements in service delivery and clean governance.
According to Hlabisa, the IFP's record in municipalities it governs demonstrates its ability to deliver on commitments made in its previous manifesto. He cited examples of municipalities with clean audit outcomes over four consecutive years, including the City of uMhlathuze, uMlalazi Municipality, and King Cetshwayo District. The party's manifesto for the 2021 local government elections had 10 points as pillars of sustainable service delivery, and Hlabisa claimed considerable progress had been made over the past five years.
The IFP's new five-point manifesto for the November 4 local government elections focuses on economic opportunities, basic services and infrastructure, partnerships with traditional and Khoi-San leaders, fighting corruption, and empowering women, young people, and people with disabilities. Hlabisa emphasized that the party is not seeking another mandate based solely on campaign promises but wants voters to judge it on its record in the municipalities it controls.
Hlabisa highlighted the IFP's approach to clean governance, citing the party's pride in the level of service delivery by municipalities governed by the IFP, including water, sanitation, roads, electricity, and infrastructure. He stated that the party aims to build on these foundations to ensure sustainable service delivery. The IFP has a proven record of service delivery at the local level, and Hlabisa emphasized that leadership is not about slogans but about showing up and solving problems.
The IFP president emphasized that municipalities must deliver basic services, support local economies, and maintain infrastructure rather than becoming places where residents' expectations are continually deferred. He stated that municipalities must not be places where people go to have their hopes delayed but become engines of development. Hlabisa's address was attended by thousands of supporters, and the party is seeking to appeal to voters who backed it in the 2021 local government elections.
The launch of the IFP's manifesto comes ahead of the November 4 local government elections, where the party is seeking to make gains. Hlabisa's message to voters is clear: the IFP is committed to delivering on its promises and has a proven track record of service delivery. The party's focus on clean governance, economic opportunities, and basic services is aimed at resonating with voters.
The IFP's manifesto launch in Durban marks a significant milestone in the party's campaign for the local government elections. With a focus on its record and a new five-point manifesto, the party is positioning itself for success in the elections. Voters will have the opportunity to judge the party on its record and promises on November 4.
Key points
- IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa launches party's manifesto for November 4 local government elections in Durban.
- The IFP's manifesto focuses on economic opportunities, basic services and infrastructure, partnerships with traditional and Khoi-San leaders, fighting corruption, and empowering women, young people, and people with disabilities.
- Hlabisa emphasizes that the party wants voters to judge it on its record in the municipalities it controls, rather than solely on campaign promises.
