uMfolozi, KwaZulu-Natal — Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Velenkosini Hlabisa has taken his party’s comprehensive five-point manifesto to voters in KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on critical issues such as job creation, service delivery, clean governance, water infrastructure, and the eradication of gender-based violence.
Speaking to supporters in uMfolozi and Mzingazi, Hlabisa outlined the party’s strategic vision as the November 4 elections approach. The uMfolozi area falls under the uMhlathuze Local Municipality, which is currently governed by the IFP. Hlabisa expressed pride in the municipality’s accelerated service delivery but acknowledged that significant ground-level challenges remain.
Local voices highlighted pressing community concerns during the campaign trail. Residents in areas such as eSikhawini and surrounding uMfolozi continue to face water supply challenges, often relying on the broader uMhlathuze water system. Additionally, deteriorating provincial road conditions and a lack of job opportunities were raised as major hurdles for the community.
Addressing these service delivery gaps, Hlabisa noted that recent capital water projects have already brought relief to many local women and farmers. He issued a direct challenge to his municipal candidates to ensure universal water access over the next five years, stating that no community should be left behind.
Tackling Electricity and Infrastructure Challenges
A significant portion of the campaign focused on local electricity supply. Residents reported experiencing power outages between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Hlabisa clarified that these local disruptions are primarily driven by illegal connections rather than national load-shedding. To combat this, he confirmed that a company is currently working in the area to upgrade and change the meter systems. This initiative aims to eliminate illegal connections and ensure households receive a stable, 24/7 electricity supply.
Uncompromising Stance on Gender-Based Violence
Addressing the national crisis of femicide, Hlabisa offered his condolences to the family of a recently murdered Boxer store manager, noting that women are the backbone of families and communities. He emphasized that combating gender-based violence is the IFP’s fourth manifesto commitment.
Hlabisa directed local municipalities to ensure that sufficient budgets are allocated specifically for anti-femicide programs, arguing that financial support is crucial for effective community interventions. Crucially, he called on men to take the forefront in the fight against gender-based violence, pointing out that perpetrators are often relatives or intimate partners known to the victims.
Outlining the IFP’s uncompromising justice policy, Hlabisa stated that individuals arrested for rape or the killing of women must be denied bail. He advocated for fast-tracked trials and, if found guilty, life sentences without the option of parole to ensure these “monsters” are permanently removed from society.
Concluding his address, Hlabisa urged all eligible voters to turn out in their numbers on November 4 to elect leaders who will prioritize clean governance and tangible service delivery.
