DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — As the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) solidifies its strategy for the upcoming municipal polls, the newly unveiled IFP mayoral candidates 2026 roster prominently features Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa spearheading the party’s bid for the eThekwini metro. This high-profile announcement, coupled with the strategic naming of a deputy mayoral candidate, underscores the party’s commitment to seasoned public leadership and its aggressive electoral expansion across the province.
Hlengwa’s candidacy is backed by a robust political resume. A University of South Africa alumnus and the current national spokesperson for the Inkatha Freedom Party, he has served as a Member of the National Assembly for 15 years, beginning in 2012. During his parliamentary tenure, he notably chaired the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), one of South Africa’s most critical oversight bodies, and previously served as the national chairperson of the IFP Youth Brigade. Following the 2024 general election, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport.
In a deliberate departure from previous election cycles, the party also proactively announced its eThekwini deputy mayoral candidate: entrepreneur Sizwe “Mavava” Skhakhane, a well-known and popular figure in the provincial political landscape.
Beyond the metro, the IFP is banking on proven administrative success in the City of uMhlathuze. Cllr. Xolani Ngwezi has been officially endorsed to retain his mayoral position. Party leadership highlighted Ngwezi’s strong governance track record, specifically pointing to the municipality’s achievement of four consecutive clean audits in the wake of the 2024 general elections.
These targeted local announcements are part of a broader national rollout. The IFP is fielding nearly 3,200 candidates across all nine provinces, a substantial increase from the approximately 2,600 candidates presented in 2021. To formally outline their policy direction, the party will host its manifesto launch on September 20 at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal. Party representatives emphasized that the upcoming document will not be a generic “wish list,” a compilation of empty promises, or a cut-and-paste exercise. Instead, it will be an original, credible, and clear alternative plan tailored to the everyday realities and daily needs of local communities.
Despite this forward momentum, the party addressed a troubling security incident, issuing a strong condemnation of a violent assault against three IFP members. The attack occurred on a Sunday in the Ezingolweni, KwaNyuswa area of Ward 34, where party volunteers and the local ward candidate were peacefully putting up campaign posters. They were reportedly confronted by individuals who explicitly stated they did not want the IFP campaigning in their vicinity. In response, the party has urgently called on all political activists, parties, and community members to exercise absolute restraint.
The briefing also touched on provincial governance dynamics, specifically addressing recent calls by the ANC for the removal of KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Thulasizwe Ntuli over allegations of municipal sabotage. The IFP firmly pushed back against these claims, with party leadership stating they are highly satisfied with MEC Ntuli’s current performance and have no intentions of supporting or initiating any moves to have him removed from office.
