In a powerful call to action that resonated through the halls of the Walter Sisulu Hall on Sunday, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa issued an impassioned appeal for women to step forward and avail themselves as mayors, councillors, and municipal leaders in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. Addressing a sea of supporters at the party’s Women’s Day celebrations, Hlabisa made it clear that the time for symbolic representation has long passed—what is needed now is decisive, tangible leadership.
The event, organized by the IFP Women’s Brigade, carried a profound historical weight, marking the 70th anniversary of the heroic 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings—a defining moment in South Africa’s struggle for equality and freedom. Hundreds of women from across Soweto, adorned in the party’s trademark red and white, gathered alongside senior party leaders to commemorate the occasion while also looking toward the future. Hlabisa used the platform not only to honour the legacy of the 1956 pioneers but to challenge the women of today to build upon that foundation by entering the political fray.
“We cannot afford to leave the reconstruction of our municipalities in the hands of a few,” Hlabisa declared, his voice firm with conviction. “Women are the backbone of our communities. They understand the struggles of the streets, the clinics, and the classrooms. It is time they lead from the front, not the back.” He emphasized that the IFP is committed to ensuring meaningful representation, with the party actively identifying and mentoring female candidates for key positions.
The call comes as South Africa prepares for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election, with municipalities under immense pressure to deliver basic services. Political analysts have lauded Hlabisa’s appeal as both timely and strategic, noting that women-led municipalities have often shown stronger performance in service delivery. As the IFP mobilizes its female members, the message is clear: the future of local governance must be inclusive, capable, and ready to serve—and that future, Hlabisa insists, is undeniably female.
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