The streets of oThongathi buzzed with unusual energy on Sunday as Inkatha Freedom Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa made a direct appeal to the people of the eMagwaveni settlement, kicking off what party insiders are calling a “no-holds-barred” voter registration blitz. With the Local Government Elections set for 4 November 2026, Hlabisa is leaving nothing to chance.
Clad in the IFP’s signature colours, the party leader moved through the dusty thoroughfares of the coastal settlement, shaking hands, sharing laughs, and—most importantly—urging residents to ensure their names appeared on the voters’ roll. His visit to a local voting station was more than a photo opportunity; it was a strategic ground-level offensive aimed at reconnecting with the party’s traditional support base while reaching out to younger, unregistered voters who could tip the balance in tightly contested wards.
Hlabisa’s message was clear and urgent. “Your voice matters only if you are registered,” he told a growing crowd, his tone both fatherly and fired up. “The IFP is ready to serve, but we cannot do it alone. We need you to show up, to make your mark, and to choose leaders who will put communities first.” The president also took time to listen to residents’ concerns—from crumbling infrastructure to unemployment—framing the upcoming elections as a critical opportunity for change at the local level.
The registration drive comes as the IFP seeks to consolidate its position in KwaZulu-Natal, a province where it has historically held sway but faces stiff competition from rival parties. Sunday’s engagement in oThongathi signals that Hlabisa is prepared to fight for every ward, starting with the most fundamental democratic act: getting citizens registered and ready to vote.
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