In a recent interview on SAFM, IFP President Velenkosini Fakudze Hlabisa discussed the party’s long-term electoral strategy.

He emphasized the importance of planning five years ahead of elections.

“We consolidate three planning options into one strategic approach. After the split with the NFP in 2011, we were left with only two municipalities, Ulundi and Msinga. By 2012, I was tasked with leading the team to develop strategies to recover from this setback. We organized for the 2014, 2016, and 2019 elections. Although we saw a decline in 2014, we regained 13 municipalities by 2016,” explained Hlabisa.

He continued,

“We planned again for 2021, 2024 to 2029. Since 2021, we have recaptured a significant number of municipalities in KZN, taking 15 wards from the ANC in KZN. In this election, we aim to reclaim KZN decisively. We are also growing in Gauteng, North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga. Nationwide, we are aiming to secure many more seats to strengthen our voice, especially aiming to make significant inroads into the executive in Gauteng,” Hlabisa added.