New members from the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP) and other political groups, including the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have been formally welcomed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in Gauteng. This development comes against the backdrop of the nation’s increasing political instability, with nearly 500 political parties currently registered with the IEC.
The initiative is part of the IFP’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen the party in preparation for the 2026 provincial elections, particularly in Gauteng.
Bonginkosi Dlamini, the IFP Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, said the party is embracing the new members. He recalled the IFP’s 2015 declaration to “solidify what we have, expand the party beyond its base, and make sure that we become decision-makers in all areas of government.” Dlamini emphasized that this development moves the IFP in that direction and will help the party gain greater influence in the 2026 municipal elections.
According to some of the recently welcomed members, they left their former parties because their personal beliefs no longer aligned with those of their organizations.
Debbie Mchunu, a former deputy convener for the MKP, said her previous party failed to confront and find solutions for the challenges ordinary South Africans face. “I left uMkhonto WeSizwe for a number of reasons. The way they treat you is terrible. Fortunately, I am there for the community, but my comrades are there for the pursuit, not for the community,” Mchunu explained.
Tebogo Mali, a former secretary of the ANC Youth League, believes the IFP is the party that will work for the people. “I think the community can see the IFP’s leadership in action. They represent the Ubuntu principle,” Mali said. He further claimed that the IFP’s leadership in Gauteng is doing an excellent job and that the party remains clean from corruption
In the most recent elections, the IFP secured only 1% of the vote in Gauteng and 4% nationally.
Editor: Ntabe Tracy
