By Johnathan Paoli
The Inkatha Freedom Party delivered the strongest performance in the latest round of municipal by-elections, winning three wards in northern KwaZulu-Natal, taking outright control of Nongoma and moving to within one seat of a majority in AbaQulusi ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The IFP’s most symbolic gains came in Nongoma, where it won two wards from the breakaway National Freedom Party, deepening the decline of its long-time regional rival.
In Ward 20, Bungazeleni Manzimakhulu, the IFP won 47% of the vote, up from 37% in 2024, ahead of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party on 32%. The NFP fell to 8% from 37%, while the ANC also took 8%, down from 24%.
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In Ward 7, Ngangayiphi Wela, the IFP increased its support to 55% from 38%, defeating the NFP, which dropped from 53% to 13%. MKP finished
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