IFP President Hlabisa
InInkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged his party’s members to focus on setting up strong and credible branches as the key to building a winning force ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Speaking at a lively gathering in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands, Hlabisa made it clear that solid grassroots structures are the lifeblood of any political outfit looking to thrive in tough times. This push comes as the IFP ramps up its efforts to regain ground lost in recent years, aiming to connect better with voters who feel let down by service delivery woes and economic hardships across the province and beyond.
The event, held at Shane Sports Field in Umvoti under the uMzinyathi District, drew a crowd of dedicated party faithful eager to hear from their leader. As part of the IFP’s ongoing visibility and mobilisation drives, the meeting served as a reminder of the party’s commitment to grassroots politics in a landscape where big promises often fall short. Hlabisa, who also serves as the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Government of National Unity (GNU), used the platform to stress how branches form the backbone of the IFP’s strategy, helping to rally support and address local issues head-on.  With the 2026 polls on the horizon, his words struck a chord, highlighting the need for unity and hard work to turn the tide in favour of the black, green and yellow.
This rally is just one piece of a bigger puzzle as the IFP gears up for what could be a make-or-break vote. After a solid showing in the 2024 national and provincial elections, where the party boosted its seats in KwaZulu-Natal and joined the GNU, leaders like Hlabisa are keen to build on that momentum. But challenges remain, from internal squabbles to competition from rivals like the ANC, MK Party and EFF, all vying for the hearts of rural and urban voters alike.
Hlabisa’s Key Message: Branches as the Engine of Survival
At the core of Hlabisa’s address was a simple yet powerful idea: no party can last without proper structures. “He stressed that for a political party to survive, it must have structures,” as he put it, driving home the point that branches are not just admin hubs but the beating heart of the IFP.  These local units, he explained, act as the engine that powers everything from voter outreach to policy feedback, ensuring the party stays in touch with the ground.
Hlabisa urged members to roll up their sleeves and establish credible branches that can stand the test of time. In areas like Umvoti, known for its farming communities and traditional roots, such structures could help tackle everyday gripes like poor roads, water shortages and joblessness. He painted a picture of branches as places where ordinary folks can voice concerns, plan campaigns and hold leaders accountable, turning passive supporters into active champions.
This focus on basics comes from hard lessons learned. The IFP, founded by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in 1975, has seen its ups and downs, from dominating KZN in the early post-apartheid years to facing splits and vote losses. Hlabisa, who took the reins after Buthelezi’s passing in 2023, has made rebuilding from the ground up a top priority. His call echoes strategies seen in successful parties worldwide, where strong local networks lead to better election results and lasting loyalty.
Umvoti Gathering: A Boost for IFP’s Mobilisation Efforts
The choice of Umvoti for this rally was no accident. Nestled in the KZN Midlands, the area falls under the Greytown municipality, a spot where the IFP has deep historical ties but faces stiff competition. Hlabisa arrived to cheers from members, kicking off a general meeting that blended speeches with discussions on party growth. The Shane Sports Field buzzed with energy, as attendees waved flags and shared stories of past victories and future hopes.
This event forms part of the IFP’s wider push to boost visibility across the province. In recent months, the party has held similar gatherings in districts like Amajuba and uThukela, where leaders brainstorm ways to tackle local issues and prep for the polls. Hlabisa’s team has stressed the need for branches to meet regularly, recruit new faces and run community projects that show the IFP in action, from clean-up drives to youth skills workshops.
Umvoti itself highlights the stakes. With its mix of rural farms and small towns, the constituency deals with challenges like land disputes, unemployment and service gaps that the IFP aims to fix through better governance. Hlabisa’s visit aimed to fire up the base, reminding them that strong branches mean stronger voices in councils and beyond.
IFP’s Road to 2026: Strategies for Growth and Challenges Ahead
Looking ahead, Hlabisa’s branch-building drive is a cornerstone of the IFP’s plan for the 2026 local elections. The party, which won 45 seats in the KZN legislature in 2024—a jump from 13 in 2019—wants to translate that into more municipal wins. By focusing on credible structures, the IFP hopes to avoid the pitfalls of weak organisation that have hurt it in the past, like low turnout or internal rifts.
Hlabisa has outlined a vision where branches lead the charge in voter education, door-to-door campaigns and policy input. This grassroots approach ties into the party’s core values of ubuntu, self-help and federalism, appealing to voters tired of centralised power plays. In the GNU, Hlabisa’s role as CoGTA Minister gives the IFP a national stage to push for better local governance, from fixing municipalities to supporting traditional leaders.
But hurdles loom. The rise of the MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, has eaten into the IFP’s Zulu heartland, while the ANC clings to power in many areas. Economic woes, like high youth joblessness at over 40% in KZN, add pressure to deliver real change. Hlabisa has called for unity, urging members to set aside differences and focus on shared goals like clean water, safe roads and economic upliftment.
Recent party moves show this in action. In September 2025, Hlabisa joined district leaders in Amajuba for strategy talks, stressing the same branch focus. The IFP has also ramped up youth and women’s wings, aiming to draw in new blood for fresh ideas. With the 2026 vote set to reshape councils, Hlabisa’s message is clear: build from the bottom to rise to the top.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube