IFP prioritises job creation in local government election push

Added: 2026-05-10

[00:00:00]The IFP says it intends to pull out all the stops that it gears up for the upcoming local elections starting with its voter registration drive. Scores of party volunteers and supporters gathered to receive their campaign tasks ahead of their voter mobilization campaign. The IFP, buoyed by successes in recent by-elections since 2021, is optimistic about its electoral prospects.

[00:00:23]However, it acknowledged that voter education will be key to ensuring it consolidates its support at the polls.

[00:00:30]Two weeks ago, the Electoral Commission leadership held talks with political parties in the province on the need to strengthen voter participation.

[00:00:38]A report by the Human Sciences Research Council painted a bleak picture of the attitude of citizens towards elections, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. 2026 for local government elections as I have said which will be nothing less than a do-or-die moment for the future of our country.

[00:01:04]The streets you walk the clinics you attend the water you drink the schools your children go to all these depends on the choices we make at the ballot box.

[00:01:24]This is not an over exaggeration.

[00:01:27]Khabisi also called on party representatives of that local government level to pull up their socks. He says the performance of municipalities will be a deciding factor for voters. So, on the 4th of November we must build again our municipalities, our communities where we stay to be centers of service delivery.

[00:01:57]This power rests with you.

[00:02:01]Despite concerns of voter apathy amongst the youth, some here believe their vote can make a difference.

[00:02:10]She says in the community we live in many people don't understand the importance of voting. The money we receive for service delivery is determined by the number of residents in each area.

[00:02:26]He says it's worrying that young people have lost faith in government over things like corruption which is rife. He says he hopes that after the 2024 election it gave young people renewed hope as there has been some change that young people now see.

[00:02:40]The first voter registration weekend will take place in June. The IFP's voter registration campaign will run until August. I and Mthlongo, SABC News, Empangeni.