IFP Supporters
By Nkosana Khumalo
A bus carrying supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) overturned on the R34 at Lakeside, near Vryheid, while travelling to the party’s 50th anniversary rally in Ulundi. IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa confirmed there were “no fatalities,” with four people taken to hospital. Despite the crash, the celebratory rally at the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Stadium in northern KwaZulu-Natal will go ahead as planned, expecting over 30,000 supporters to mark this historic milestone.
Bus Crash on the R34: What Happened?
The accident took place early on the morning of the rally, as buses loaded with IFP supporters from across South Africa journeyed to Ulundi. The crash occurred on the R34 at Lakeside, just outside Vryheid, a key route connecting rural areas to the northern KwaZulu-Natal town. Emergency services rushed to the scene, attending to the injured. IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa told reporters that while four supporters were hospitalised, there were “no fatalities,” easing fears of a tragedy. The party is supporting those affected and staying in touch with their families.
While exact details about the cause remain unclear, road safety has been a growing concern on the R34, a busy highway prone to accidents. KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Transport has previously flagged speeding and poor vehicle maintenance as common issues in the region, though no official statement has linked these factors to this specific crash yet.
The IFP’s 50th Anniversary Rally: A Milestone Celebration
The rally at the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Stadium is a landmark event for the IFP, celebrating 50 years since its founding on 21 March 1975 by the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Held under the theme “resilience, service, and integrity,” the gathering is both a reflection on the party’s past and a look ahead to its future. Current IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa will deliver a keynote address, expected to outline the party’s achievements and its vision, especially with local government elections looming in 2025.
Over 30,000 supporters are set to fill the stadium, located in Ulundi, the historic heart of IFP support in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The party has played a major role in South African politics, notably as part of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal and the national Government of National Unity (GNU). As the fifth-largest party in the National Assembly, the IFP sees this rally as a chance to rally its base and boost momentum.
Supporters Arrive in Droves
The build-up to the rally has been electric. Buses carrying supporters began arriving in Ulundi from early morning, with many travelling overnight from provinces like Gauteng and Mpumalanga. By 8:00 AM, over 20 buses had already parked outside the stadium, unloading eager party faithful. SABC News reporter Simo Makaya, on the ground in Ulundi, noted the quiet inside the venue early on, but gates opened between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, welcoming a flood of supporters.
Outside, the atmosphere was festive. Vendors lined the streets, selling IFP regalia—flags, T-shirts, and caps—alongside food stalls offering local favourites. One supporter from Johannesburg shared his excitement with SABC: “It’s a great day for the IFP, and I’m proud to be here to honour our party’s history.” The South African Police Service (SAPS) maintained a strong presence to ensure safety, a standard measure for such large political gatherings.
A Party with Deep Roots
The IFP’s 50-year journey is a story of endurance. Founded by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the party emerged from Inkatha kaZulu, a cultural movement, and grew into a political powerhouse in KwaZulu-Natal. Remarkably, it has had only two leaders in its history: Buthelezi, who led until 2019, and Velenkosini Hlabisa, who took over after Buthelezi’s passing in 2023. This stability has been a point of pride for the IFP, which has weathered decades of political turbulence, including rivalry with the ANC during apartheid and the transition to democracy.
Recently, the IFP has enjoyed a resurgence. It gained seats in the 2021 local government elections and has strengthened its position through by-election wins in KwaZulu-Natal. Political analyst Dr. Sipho Ndlovu, speaking to News24, called the IFP “a party on the rise,” noting its strategic role in coalition governments as a sign of renewed relevance.
