By Johnathan Paoli
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) president Velenkosini Hlabisa told supporters at the party’s 50-year celebrations in Soweto this weekend that despite being in the Government of National Unity, it remains true to its mandate of integrity and serving citizens.
Addressing supporters and dignitaries at the Jabulani Amphitheatre, Hlabisa said the party’s story “has been one of resilience, service and integrity,” and spoke to half a century of endurance throughout South Africa’s transformative political era.
“The IFP remains undiluted. The IFP remains with its identity. The IFP remains within the GNU, not serving any political party but representing the people of South Africa,” he said.
Founded in 1975 by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi amid the turbulence of apartheid, the party was largely written off as a political relic confined to rural areas of KZN after a bruising split in 2011 that saw the formation of the National Freedom Party.
The IFP suffered one of its worst electoral defeats in 2014, losing significant ground in KZN and its status as the province’s main opposition.
It’s resurgence has largely been attributed to generational renewal, disillusionment with the ANC, and a focus on governance credibility in municipalities such as Zululand and uMhlathuze.
At the weekend celebrations, Hlabisa reflected on the IFP’s influence in shaping democratic governance structures, particularly in promoting accountability at a local level.
“The idea of provinces and municipalities was championed by us. We always knew that in order to serve people well you must be closer to them,” Hlabisa said.
This, he added, remains central to the party’s ethos, a commitment to governance rooted in communities, proximity to citizens, and practical service delivery.
He used the occasion to reaffirm the IFP’s stance on key national issues, notably the rule of law, integrity in governance, and the management of migration and development.
“As we promised you that we will fight against illegal migration, we still remain true to the commitment we made to you,” he said.
He said that the IFP’s participation in the GNU did not compromise its independence. Instead, he said, it represented the party’s tradition of constructive engagement and principled opposition.
“This milestone is not just about looking back, but about mobilising the next phase of our mission to serve the people of South Africa with humility, integrity and commitment,” he said.
Hlabisa also used the event to unofficially launch the party’s 2026 Local Government Elections campaign.
“We look forward to the 2026 Local Government Elections,” he said, which he described as a “pivotal moment” to change governance in Johannesburg and other cities.
The elections were an opportunity to “choose real change, honest leadership and a government that will truly represent you,” he said.
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