JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG – As political parties wrap up their local government election campaigns this week, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Johannesburg mayoral candidate Mlungisi Mabaso has intensified his final push in the highly contested metro. Mabaso recently directed his campaign trail to the Kokotela informal settlement in southern Johannesburg, emphasizing that residents must vote differently to secure immediate improvements in living conditions and municipal service delivery.
Johannesburg remains one of the most contested metropolitan areas in the upcoming local government polls. During his visit, Mabaso noted that the severe conditions within informal settlements make it difficult to recognize the area as part of the City of Johannesburg. He stressed that government officials and public servants must work diligently to deliver services, initiate community development, and restore dignity to residents.
The Kokotela informal settlement was established in 2017. According to Mabaso, residents have expressed feeling forgotten by authorities, leading some to resort to taking matters into their own hands. He acknowledged that these challenges are not unique to Kokotela, stating that if the IFP is granted the mandate to govern Johannesburg, the party will be measured strictly by practical, results-driven governance.
A primary focus for the IFP is to improve upon the seven council seats it secured in the 2021 local government elections. Mabaso noted that the current campaign trail has further educated the party on the specific plight of Johannesburg residents. He highlighted that constituents are actively raising concerns about unemployment, water shortages, electricity failures, the deterioration of the road network, and crime.
In response, Mabaso asserted that the IFP manifesto presents practical solutions to these systemic issues. He specifically cited ongoing infrastructure challenges, including leaking sewers, water and electricity supply disruptions, and transformer capacity constraints within City Power that affect service delivery and sanitation in both informal and formal settlements.
Reflecting on the party’s past performance, Mabaso highlighted that the seven seats obtained in 2021 secured the IFP a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) position in the City of Johannesburg. He argued that the work completed in this role demonstrates the organization’s capacity to deliver even greater results with increased electoral support.
The IFP is scheduled to hold its national rally on Sunday, where the party president will officially close the campaign trail for this year’s local government elections.
