16th July 2008

The IFP KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Secretary and Convenor of the National Council by-election campaign unit, Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi, MPL, announced this morning that the IFP had won 8 out of 9 by-elections held throughout KwaZulu-Natal yesterday. The IFP won 4 wards in UKhahlamba (Bergville), 1 in Newcastle, 1 in Msundusi (Pietermaritzburg), 1 in Mtonjaneni and 1 in Pongola.

"We celebrate this resounding victory together with all IFP structures who worked hard to achieve the success. Well done to you all. We, in the newly elected KZN Provincial Executive Committee are greatly encouraged by your commitment to democracy in ensuring IFP victory," said Dr Buthelezi.

"Having won the by-elections we challenge all the new IFP councilors to become true servants of the people. Always remember that you have been elected to serve the needs of the people. Not the other way round. We also expect that the IFP's key values of solidarity, freedom and unity in diversity, will guide and determine your behaviour at all times in your service to the people," exhorted Dr Buthelezi.

He continued; "This victory is made much sweeter because it flies in the face of Premier SB Ndebele's bold claim that the ANC will win KZN by 60% and more in the 2009 elections. Yesterday's result proves that he was simply dreaming out loud when he made that claim."

"This is also yet another hurdle in the path of KZN Minister of Local Government, Mr M Mabuyakhulu's personal crusade to get his brother elected as Mayor of Amajuba," observed Dr Buthelezi.

"This victory is the fist step in winning back KwaZulu-Natal," concluded Dr Buthelezi.  

Contact: 
Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi - 082 516 0156
IFP KZN Secretary