Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters say their love and commitment to the party is what made it stand the test of time. The party governed KwaZulu-Natal for two terms, but lost its support in two municipalities in 2011. In the 2019 general elections, the IFP fought back to become the official opposition in the provincial legislature.
Spirits are high for residents of Dalton hostel as the IFP has grown its support and obtained the official position status. The hostel has been an IFP strong hold since 1994. IFP supporter Thembeni Ngcmu has described IFP leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as an honest man who calls a spade a spade.
“We were brought up by Buthelezi; he is an honest man, to him a spade is a spade. He told us he can make changes, but cannot change who you are. We need to work hard and not wait for government to do everything for us.”
The IFP lost thousands of supporters to Zanele-Magwaza-Msibi’s National Freedom Party (NFP) a couple of years ago, but Dalton’s residents remain loyal to the party. Residents say they believe in the IFP.
“People here in Dalton believe in the IFP. Whenever there is something going wrong, we quickly call a meeting and solve the problem.”
Residents further say that the party’s track record speaks for itself.
“The IFP’s track record speaks for itself. The IFP built schools and teacher colleges which are now not functioning. If we can lead KZN, we will revive the teacher colleges.”
Residents here have one wish, for the IFP to address challenges facing the youth.
As the real work begins after elections, Dalton residents are worried about Buthelezi’s imminent retirement. They say the party may not survive without him.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
