Twenty-six members from the EFF, MK Party and ANC have quit their political parties to join the IFP in Umzumbe Local Municipality.

The party aims to grow its membership before the crucial November 4 local government elections, with the intention of running the municipality.

Currently, it is run by both the IFP and ANC, with 17 seats each.

The new members, from Wards 3 and 4, were welcomed at St Faith’s Community Hall near Port Shepstone on August 5.

The chairperson of the IFP in Umzumbe, Mlungisi Ndlovu, said the party is proud of the work it has done and continues to do.

“This is big for us as the leaders of the IFP, even if it is one person who is joining; that person to us as leaders is important. Today, we decided to go public because the new members want it known that they have joined the IFP and that they will be working for it.”

Ndlovu added that getting new members in Cluster C is exciting because if the IFP does not do well in this cluster, then it will face issues.

“Political differences are high in this cluster, and no councillor has led for two consecutive terms. If a councillor does not do well, the party lets them go.”

Furthermore, he said it is a historic moment as it has been difficult to get staunch ANC members to join the IFP.

One of the new members is Sihle Ngwazi, a prominent politician and a former independent ward councillor from Ward 3.

Ngwazi is said to have served his community well as a councillor and has great influence in the area.

After his term, he then joined the ANC.

According to Ngwazi, nothing negative happened in the ANC; however, he has realised that the IFP’s principles align with his.

“The IFP’s integrity has encouraged me to join.”

Another new member, Bongumusa Mtolo from the EFF, said he left because in the last election he worked hard but received no support.

“A lot of promises were made within the party, which were not upheld.”

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