IFP crushes MKP in uMzumbe by-election

By Celani Sikhakhane

• Inkatha Freedom Party wins Ward 13 with 885 votes, ahead of African National Congress and uMkhonto Wesizwe candidates.

• Senior leaders from several parties campaigned in the ward after the previous councillor resigned last year.

Residents in Ward 13 in uMzumbe cast their votes on Wednesday in a closely watched by-election on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Inkatha Freedom Party secured 885 votes. The African National Congress received 660 votes. The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party got 338 votes, while the Black First Land First received 187 votes.

The seat became vacant after an Inkatha Freedom Party councillor resigned last year.

In the final push before voting day, senior leaders from different political parties visited the ward to campaign.

The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party deployed well known leaders, including celebrities and television actors. The National Freedom Party sent provincial chairperson Mbali Shinga and Esther Zodwa Mtshali, the deputy mayor of uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality and the party’s KwaZulu-Natal secretary.

The African National Congress also deployed members of its provincial task team.

Inkatha Freedom Party KwaZulu-Natal deputy chairperson Inkosi Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala said the result showed that residents trust the party’s leadership.

“This victory stands as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust that the people of uMzumbe continue to place in the IFP’s leadership and its unwavering commitment to service delivery, integrity and community development,” said Shabalala.

The party called on newly elected councillor Bakhanyile Shozi to serve the community with humility and dedication.

Pictured above: Inkatha Freedom Party leaders celebrate their Ward 13 by election victory in uMzumbe.

Image source: IFP