ANC Suffers Setback as IFP Wins Key KZN Ward in By-Election

The ANC’s renewal project in KwaZulu-Natal has been dealt a major blow after the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) claimed victory in a crucial by-election in the Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality.

The ward became vacant following the passing of ANC councillor Gidla Mdletshe, prompting Wednesday’s by-election in the north-eastern part of the province.

On Thursday, the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) confirmed that IFP candidate Kwenzile Mthembu had won the ward, tightening the party’s grip on the municipality.

The ANC had gone all out to retain the seat, deploying its top five provincial leaders in a last-minute push. During the party’s January 8 celebrations in Pietermaritzburg, ANC provincial leaders emphasized their commitment to winning by-elections as part of their broader renewal strategy.

Speaking before the vote, ANC regional chairperson Simphile Mdaka expressed confidence that his party would hold onto the ward. He argued that a victory would signal growing support for the ANC while also strengthening its negotiating power for a coalition with the IFP in the municipality.

Mdaka also revealed that the ANC had been in talks with the National Freedom Party (NFP), after one of its councillors defied party instructions and sided with the IFP. He believed that retaining the ward would improve the ANC’s ability to negotiate a power-sharing agreement, potentially tying the ANC and IFP coalition at 20 seats each.

However, the IFP’s victory has further solidified its control in the municipality, dealing a blow to the ANC’s coalition ambitions.

With this win, the IFP now holds 17 out of the 39 council seats, while the ANC has dropped to 16. The EFF has two seats, while the DA, ACDP, NFP, and an independent candidate each hold one. With the support of smaller parties, the IFP now controls the municipality with 21 seats, while the ANC-EFF coalition holds 18.

Both the ANC and IFP are expected to issue official statements in response to the results.

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