DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — As the 2026 Local Government Elections approach, the IFP eThekwini water crisis strategy has become the central pillar of the party’s campaign in Durban. With exactly 30 days left before voters cast their ballots, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has officially launched its municipal manifesto, placing water security and management at the absolute apex of its electoral priorities.
Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the IFP’s mayoral candidate for the metro, outlined a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to resolve the city’s ongoing water challenges. Addressing the crowd at the manifesto launch, Hlengwa emphasized that water security will be treated as a core municipal competence requiring immediate and sustained priority.
“For us, water is a competence that will have to receive priority attention, and therefore it will be housed with the mayor,” Hlengwa stated. He confirmed he is prepared to take personal responsibility for leading the water intervention at an administrative level. His proposed strategy includes accelerating the maintenance and recovery of existing water infrastructure, laying new pipes, and returning to basics by systematically addressing the city’s drainage problems.
Beyond the water crisis, the party’s broader manifesto promises to prioritize reliable electricity, a safer city, crime reduction, transport connectivity, housing, accommodation, and overall economic growth.
Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa expressed strong confidence in the party’s election strategy and its diverse roster of councillor candidates, highlighting that many of the nominees are young people. He described the candidate list as a true reflection of communities that have long wanted to see their city function effectively for their benefit.
“It is now in the hands of the people of eThekwini to make eThekwini work for them,” Hlabisa said. He positioned the IFP as a “vessel” and a “vehicle” designed to execute the community’s top priorities.
Hlabisa also urged voters to give the IFP a chance to solve their daily problems, referencing the historical legacy of former Chief Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi. He reminded residents that during Buthelezi’s tenure, the province was well-managed and orderly, noting his historical success in building townships, hostels, and other vital infrastructure.
Highlighting specific grassroots grievances, Hlabisa pointed out that many residents still lack basic sanitation, such as proper toilets, stressing the need for fundamental service delivery.
The IFP is contesting all 112 wards in the eThekwini municipality. With exactly a month remaining until election day, Hlabisa issued a final call to action, urging party volunteers to leave no stone unturned on the ground to secure their electoral goals.
