THE Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) had much to celebrate as they secured a resounding victory by winning 14 of the 17 wards in the Nquthu by-election held on Wednesday.
The by-election followed the inability of the municipality to be constituted as no clear majority could take control of the council after last year’s local government elections.
Given the ongoing stalemate, Cogta dissolved the municipality and called for a by-election.
‘We were quietly confident of success in this by-election because we knew that the people of Nquthu have trust in the IFP and have seen through the maladministration and false promises of the previous administration,’ IFP National Chairman Blessed Gwala said.
‘We did not campaign using State resources and grand promises of service delivery.’
He said when the IFP leadership campaigned in Nquthu, the people saw leaders they could trust from a party with a track record of clean governance.
The IFP now has full control of Nquthu and the uMzinyathi District said Gwala.
Meanwhile the ANC has accepted the results, although they noted that in some instances the supporters of the IFP were involved in threatening ANC supporters, including physical assault, in wards 5, 6, 12 and 14.
The ANC fought hard with all their top officials addressing the constituents in the run-up to the by-election.
The party thanked the Independent Electoral Commission, South African Police Service and the media in their respective roles to bring about a free, fair and peaceful election.
MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mxolisi Kaunda, who was on the ground to monitor proceedings, said the peaceful conduct was yet another sign that KwaZulu-Natal has politically come of age and it augured well for the forthcoming 2019 national and provincial elections.
Results in numbers
The IFP won 19 seats overall (compared to 15 in last year’s municipal elections), the African National Congress 11 seats (14 in 2016) and one seat each was won by the Democratic Alliance (1 in 2016), Economic Freedom Fighters (1 in 2016) and National Freedom Party (2 in 2016).
A total of 17 wards and 16 PR seats were contested.
Voter turnout was 60.44% compared to 58.27% in 2016.
The IFP increased its overall total valid votes (ward + PR) from 44.09% of votes in 2016 to 58.04%, while the ANC won 32.72% of the total valid votes cast (42.02% in 2016).
Councillors (percentage votes in brackets)
Ward 1 – Zanele Sithole (IFP) 50.33%
Ward 2 – Richard Sikhumbuzo Langa (IFP) 56.99%
Ward 3 – Emmanuel Mbekezeli Mkhwanazi (IFP) 58.89%
Ward 4 – Mbongeni Ephraim Mnguni Mbongeni Ephraim Mnguni (IFP) 65.55%
Ward 5 – Innocent Lindokuhle Shabalala (IFP) 73.06%
Ward 6 – Moses Sipho Kevin Gumbi (ANC) 46.37%
Ward 7 – Njabulo Mbongeleni Buthelezi (IFP) 59.99%
Ward 8 – Sifiso Msalofy Buthelezi (IFP) 63.50%
Ward 9 – Sabelo Praisegod Mathe (IFP) 53.55%
Ward 10 – Bhekisisa Justice Ngwenya (IFP) 50.42%
Ward 11 – Siyabonga Mabilabila Kunene (IFP) 83.95%
Ward 12 – Jerry Nathi Khoza (IFP) 59.99%
Ward 13 – Joyce Zandile Ndima (IFP) 46.27%
Ward 14 – Sakhile Dedrick Masimula (IFP) 58.65%
Ward 15 – Augustine Simphiwe Zulu (IFP) 64.08%
Ward 16 – Goodwill Fukang Molefe (ANC) 53.80%
Ward 17 – Sibusiso Mandlenkosi Charles Zikode (ANC) 46.52%.
Proportional Representatives
African National Congress – Lehlonono Cyprian Moloi, Tahleho Johannes Motloung, Constance Thandiwe Buthelezi, Lephia Sizakele Hoffman, Cynthia Nthabiseng Xulu, Maureen Nlebuheng Khanye, Ntombifikile Samkelisiwe Mkhize and Thulile Zanele Buthelezi.
Democratic Alliance – Bonginkosi Innocent Zwane
Economic Freedom Fighters – Xolani Sizwe Dlamini
Inkatha Freedom Party – Pertunia Phindile Ntombela, Ntombikayise Goodness Mdlalose, Mengiwe Ronit Ngobese, Nothile Maria Zungu and Thamsanqa Abion Dlamini,
National Freedom Party – Evelyn Thulisile Nhlebela.
