IFP to contest elections independently despite GNU role: Hlabisa

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Velenkosini Hlabisa says while the party is part of the Government of National and Provincial Unity, it will contest the 2026 Local Government Elections independently.

Hlabisa was speaking in Durban, where his party welcomed over 200 members who defected from the National Freedom Party (NFP).

The new members include senior NFP leaders, as well as members from various structures of the party.

Hlabisa says the new members will campaign under the IFP banner.

“As we campaign for the IFP, we will continue positioning the party as a credible, stable and responsible alternative for voters who want municipalities that work, leaders who are accountable and communities that are treated with dignity. We will campaign under the IFP banner, on the strength of our own record, our own policies, our own candidates and our own vision for local government,” says Hlabisa.