RICHARDS BAY, KWAZULU-NATAL — Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Velenkosini Hlabisa has taken his party’s campaign trail to Esikhawini in Richards Bay, intensifying mobilization efforts as South Africa approaches the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Speaking to supporters and addressing local service delivery concerns, Hlabisa used the rally to highlight the party’s track record in the region while outlining a clear roadmap for infrastructure development over the next five years.
Defending the Coalition’s Track Record
With political parties stepping up their campaigns ahead of the November 4 elections, the IFP is heavily promoting its governance record in the Richards Bay municipality. Hlabisa described the local authority as a prime example of a stable, working coalition that has been led by the IFP for the past five years.
He noted that the municipality has operated without a single vote of no confidence or failures of quorums at the executive or council levels. According to the IFP President, deploying mature, capable, and competent leaders has been the key to maintaining a functional municipality and driving local economic growth, leveraging Richards Bay’s status as a critical national port and mineral resource hub.
Tackling Service Delivery Challenges
Despite the political stability, Hlabisa acknowledged the ongoing service delivery challenges faced by residents, specifically regarding electricity, water, and refuse collection. He outlined targeted interventions to resolve these issues:
- Electricity and Load Reduction: Acknowledging that infrastructure capacity struggles to meet demand and that illegal connections exacerbate the issue, Hlabisa announced a collaborative approach. The municipality plans to partner with Eskom and the local business sector to drive infrastructure investment, ensuring the grid can adequately support the community.
- Refuse Collection in Esikhawini: Addressing complaints about dirtiness in areas like Esikhawini, Hlabisa explained that the municipality had been relying on outdated waste removal vehicles that were over 20 years old and no longer cost-effective. The mayor and council have since purchased new municipal equipment, which he says has significantly improved waste collection responses.
- Water Infrastructure: Attributing water reductions to poor historical maintenance and aging infrastructure inherited in 2021, the IFP has introduced a comprehensive maintenance program. Hlabisa emphasized the party’s manifesto pillar and slogan: “Maintenance before crisis.” The strategy focuses on proactive, continuous maintenance and the replacement of old infrastructure to prevent constant breakdowns and ensure the timeless supply of water.
Campaign Climate and Security Concerns
Assessing the overall campaign, Hlabisa expressed satisfaction with the IFP’s reception across the North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. However, he also addressed the severe security concerns that have shadowed the election period.
He mourned the loss of two IFP candidates who were killed a month ago, as well as a recent violent incident in uMgababa two weeks prior. Despite these tragedies, Hlabisa expressed relief at the recent return to stability, noting that political parties are now competing peacefully. He urged citizens to use the remaining days of the campaign to allow all South Africans to freely express their will at the ballot box.
A Strong Youth and Women Turnout
The IFP President noted that the most impressive aspect of the current campaign trail is the overwhelming turnout of young people and women at rallies, reflecting the demographic majority of the country.
Concluding his address, Hlabisa—who also referenced his broader portfolio overseeing cooperative governance and traditional affairs—issued a final plea to the nation. Irrespective of political affiliation, he urged all South Africans to go to the voting stations in their numbers on November 4 and elect the candidates they believe will deliver the best performance for their communities.
