Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-03-14 12:43:34
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has made significant gains in the recent by-elections in Newcastle municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, taking three wards off the African National Congress (ANC). These victories have solidified the IFP’s control over the municipality, which it won from the ANC in the 2021 local government elections. The IFP has been on a winning streak in by-elections across the province since then, showcasing its growing popularity and support among voters.
In Newcastle’s Ward 12, the IFP received 1,973 votes, outperforming the ANC (763 votes), Team Sugar South Africa (TSSA) with 256 votes, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 94 votes. Similarly, in Ward 19, the IFP secured 1,566 votes, surpassing the ANC (732), TSSA (137), and the EFF (65). Ward 23 saw the IFP taking 1,498 votes, while the ANC received 315 votes, TSSA 213 votes, and the EFF 0 votes.
These three wards were traditionally considered safe for the ANC, with the party securing between 53% and 64% of the vote in the previous elections. However, the IFP nearly tripled its share of the vote in the recent by-elections, indicating a significant shift in voter sentiment. The IFP’s leadership is pleased with the results and sees them as a stepping stone towards regaining control of KwaZulu-Natal in the upcoming national and provincial elections.
IFP KwaZulu-Natal provincial chairperson Thami Ntuli expressed excitement over the party’s success in the by-elections and credited the growing support for the IFP. The party’s manifesto for the 2024 national and provincial elections was recently launched, and Ntuli emphasized the party’s determination to capitalize on the current momentum.
The ANC also had some victories in the by-elections, retaining Ward 6 in Umshwathi Municipality and Ward 17 in Moretele Municipality. In Umshwathi, the ANC candidate received 72.46% of the vote, while in Moretele, the ANC candidate secured 76.17% of the vote. Additionally, the ANC maintained control in Ward 16 of Emfuleni Municipality in Gauteng, with 38.11% of the total votes cast.
Overall, the recent by-election results have been a boost for the IFP and a reminder to the ANC of the shifting political landscape in KwaZulu-Natal. The IFP’s successes in traditionally ANC-held wards signal a potential change in power dynamics and set the stage for a competitive electoral landscape in the upcoming elections. The IFP is determined to build on its momentum and continue expanding its influence in the province.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
