IFP EThekwini District

For Immediate Release
01/06/2026

IFP STATEMENT ON SUPPORTING THE ETHEKWINI MUNICIPAL BUDGET

Inkatha Freedom Party - IFP has taken a decision to support the eThekwini Municipality’s 2026/27 municipal budget, and this was not taken lightly. We fully understand the financial pressures facing households, businesses and communities across our city. We recognise that any increase in tariffs impacts residents who are already dealing with rising living costs, unemployment and economic uncertainty.
However, as a responsible political party, we were required to make a decision based not on political expediency, but on what is in the best long-term interests of the people of eThekwini. There was appropriate consultation on the budget, and this budget was adequately assessed by National Treasury.
The reality is that a municipality cannot provide services without a legally approved and funded budget. Water must continue to flow, electricity networks must be maintained, refuse must be collected, roads must be repaired, and emergency services must remain operational.
Had the budget not been approved, the consequences would have been severe. In terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), failure to approve a budget before the start of the financial year would have triggered provincial intervention. Municipal spending would have been restricted, critical projects could have been delayed, and uncertainty would have been created regarding the municipality’s ability to deliver services effectively.
Our support for the budget was therefore a vote for stability, continuity of services and the protection of residents from a potentially damaging governance crisis.
We also acknowledge the concerns regarding tariff increases. However, these increases must be viewed within the broader financial realities facing the municipality. eThekwini purchases electricity from Eskom (bulk tariff increase of 9%) and water from uMngeni-uThukela Water (bulk tariff increase of 10%), both of which have increased their charges above inflation. The municipality is also confronted with ageing infrastructure, significant maintenance backlogs and the need to invest in service delivery improvements following years of underinvestment and infrastructure challenges including the disasters.
Simply put, if tariffs do not keep pace with the actual cost of providing services, the municipality risks further deterioration of critical infrastructure, more frequent service interruptions and an inability to meet the needs of residents.
Importantly, our support for the budget does not mean unconditional support for the administration, the municipality must improve efficiency, strengthen financial management, reduce wasteful expenditure, improve revenue collection and ensure that residents receive value for every rand spent.
The IFP will continue to hold the administration accountable for the implementation of this budget. Every infrastructure project, every maintenance programme and every service delivery commitment must translate into visible improvements in the lives of our residents.
Our position is simple: residents deserve functioning infrastructure, reliable services and a financially stable municipality. While tariff increases are never desirable, the collapse of service delivery and municipal finances would be far more damaging to every household and business in eThekwini.
We therefore supported this budget because we believe it represents the most responsible course of action to protect continuity of essential services, safeguard the municipality’s financial sustainability and create the foundation for improved service delivery in the years ahead.
Addressing the Council during the adoption of the budget, Xaba said the budget represents a practical and sustainable financial plan for the City. “The 2026/27 budget is not an aspirational document. It is a funded, credible, and sustainable plan assessed as such by National Treasury. The adopted budget places significant emphasis on upgrading ageing infrastructure, improving the reliability of water, sanitation, and energy services, and driving spatial transformation initiatives across the City. The main focus of the budget is to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to our residents in order to uplift their quality of life,” he said.
Our commitment remains unwavering: to put the interests of the people of eThekwini first, above politics, and to ensure that every decision we make contributes to a stronger, more sustainable and better-functioning city.

Issued by IFP eThekwini Metro Chairperson
Cllr Mdu Nkosi
076 133 1382

HISTORIC DAY FOR THE IFP IN WARD 99!

Today, 30 May 2026, the Inkatha Freedom Party reached a significant milestone with the successful inauguration of its very first branch in the Umkomaas Voting District of Ward 99. 🎉

This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of Ward 99 Councillor, Cllr Jane Naidoo. Through her tireless efforts and people-centred leadership, the IFP continues to grow from strength to strength.

With more than 300 bona fide members in this single voting district, the message is clear: the people of Ward 99 believe in leadership that delivers, listens, and serves all communities equally. 🤝

Under the leadership of Cllr Jane Naidoo, residents from every corner of society have experienced responsive representation and a councillor who places service delivery above politics.

Today’s inauguration is not merely the launch of a branch—it is a powerful vote of confidence in a leader who has consistently put the people first. 🇿🇦

We are immensely proud of Cllr Naidoo's diligent service and remain confident that the residents of Ward 99 will once again entrust her with the responsibility of serving as their First Citizen after the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.

The momentum is growing. The support is growing. The IFP is growing.
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[27/05/26] IFP Dr Jonathan Annipen - IFP Councillor visited learners at Allingham Primary School in Ward 52, Phoenix, to speak about the importance of mental health, hope, and su***de awareness following the tragic passing of a young boy from the Redcliffe/Reit River area who sadly took his own life two weeks ago.

During the engagement, learners were encouraged to understand that no problem is too big to talk about and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

🗣️ “You are valuable. You matter. Your life has purpose.”

Young people were reminded that: ✨ It is okay to feel sad, overwhelmed or confused sometimes.
They should never suffer in silence.
Speaking to a parent, teacher, friend, counsellor, pastor or trusted adult can make a difference.
There is always hope, even during difficult moments.

Dr Jonathan Annipen encouraged learners to support one another with kindness, compassion and understanding, and to always look out for friends who may be struggling emotionally.

Let us continue building a community where our children feel safe, heard, loved and supported.
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Today 29 May 2026, IFP Chairperson of Ward 50, Nalini Naidoo, had the honour of visiting the Golden Years Senior Citizens during their special Mother’s Day celebration.

The event was filled with warmth, appreciation, and joy as mothers and senior citizens were celebrated for their lifelong sacrifices, guidance, and contribution to society.

During the programme, Mrs Naidoo addressed the seniors and spoke passionately about the importance of mothers within our homes and communities. She highlighted the powerful role mothers play in shaping future generations through love, discipline, care, and values.

She also acknowledged the elderly mothers and grandmothers who continue to be pillars of strength and wisdom within the community.

Mrs Naidoo further emphasized that the IFP remains committed to serving all sectors of society, especially senior citizens who have laid the foundation for future generations. She spoke on the importance of respecting and caring for the elderly, ensuring that they feel valued, supported, and included in community activities.

As part of the celebration, chocolates were handed out to the seniors as a small token of appreciation and love. The gesture brought smiles to many faces and created a joyful atmosphere amongst the attendees.

The IFP in Ward 50 continues to actively engage with the community through programmes that uplift, support, and bring people together. Under the leadership of Nalini Naidoo, the focus remains on building a caring and united community where the needs of residents, seniors, women, and youth are always prioritised.

The event was a reminder that true leadership is about serving the people with compassion, humility, and dedication. The IFP remains committed to making a positive difference and ensuring that the community always comes first.
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ETHEKWINI:

IFP Member of the National Council, Hon Les Govender, MP has been deployed to officiate the inauguration of the Overport Branch in Ethekwini Ward 31 on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

This marks yet another significant milestone and a great achievement for the people of Overport and the broader Ward 31 community, as the Inkatha Freedom Party continues to strengthen its structures and deepen its presence at grassroots level.

The inauguration reflects the growing confidence that communities continue to place in the IFP’s vision of servant leadership, unity, development, and people-centred governance. Residents of Overport are encouraged to come out in numbers to witness this historic occasion and join hands in building a stronger and united branch structure ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The Durban Central Constituency congratulates all leaders, members, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this inauguration possible.

🐘🐘🐘 | 🟥⬜⬛🟩🟨⬜⬜🟥
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ANOTHER BRANCH INAUGURATION BY THE DURBAN CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY!

IFP Member of the National Council, Cllr MR Nxumalo is set to inaugurate the Thokoza Branch in Ethekwini Ward 28 today.

This historic inauguration marks yet another milestone in strengthening the presence of the IFP within communities and advancing the organisation’s grassroots programme across Durban Central.

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🐘🐘🐘 | 🟥⬜⬛⬛🟩🟨⬜🟥

IFP Ward 50 Leads Community Clean-Up Drive in Grove End

The Inkatha Freedom Party in Ward 50 demonstrated its commitment to community service today as Branch Chairperson Nalini Naidoo led a community clean-up campaign in Grove End aimed at restoring cleanliness, improving public safety, and promoting civic pride among residents.

The initiative brought together local residents, volunteers, and community leaders who worked side by side to remove litter, clear illegal dumping sites, and clean public spaces frequently used by families, school children, and elderly residents. The campaign forms part of ongoing efforts by the IFP to address environmental concerns in the area and ensure that public spaces remain safe and accessible for all members of the community.

Illegal dumping and poor waste management have become growing concerns in many residential communities, often contributing to health hazards, blocked drainage systems, pest infestations, and a decline in the overall appearance of neighbourhoods. Residents of Grove End have raised concerns about these issues for some time, prompting local leadership to take proactive action.

Speaking during the clean-up campaign, Ward 50 IFP Branch Chairperson Nalini Naidoo said the initiative was about far more than simply cleaning streets.

“A clean community is a healthy and dignified community. We cannot wait for others to solve every challenge we face when we have the power to make a difference ourselves. Today’s clean-up is about restoring pride in Grove End, protecting our environment, and creating safer spaces for our children and elderly residents. When communities unite behind a common purpose, real change becomes possible,” said Naidoo.

Naidoo further emphasized that community participation remains essential in sustaining cleaner neighbourhoods and encouraged residents to report illegal dumping and continue taking ownership of their surroundings.

Local resident Mrs Shirley Govender, who lives in the Grove End area and participated in the initiative, welcomed the campaign and praised the collaborative effort.

“This clean-up has made a visible difference in our community. Areas that were filled with litter now look cleaner and safer. It gives residents hope when they see leaders working alongside them instead of only making promises. Our children deserve clean spaces to walk to school and our elderly residents deserve neighbourhoods that are safe and well maintained,” said Govender.

Residents noted that cleaner public spaces help reduce health risks associated with waste accumulation, improve the overall image of the area, discourage further illegal dumping, and foster stronger relationships between community members who work together toward common goals.

The IFP said it remains committed to hands-on leadership and practical community interventions that improve the daily lives of residents in Ward 50. The party has encouraged all residents to continue playing their part in keeping Grove End clean and preserving the progress made through today’s campaign. ♻️🤝

"Today I met with residents of Lakehaven Estate in Ward 11 Newlands East, a social housing project managed by First Metro Housing Company.

Residents raised serious concerns relating to rental leases, maintenance issues, and the overall management of the project. I listened carefully to the concerns and frustrations expressed by the community.

I have committed to ensuring that a meeting is convened within the next two weeks with the Department of Human Settlements so that these matters can be properly addressed and feedback can be provided directly to residents.

Communities deserve dignity, accountability and transparent communication. We will continue engaging until solutions are found.:
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Today, we celebrate a dedicated public servant and committed leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party - IFP, 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐌 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚.

As an IFP Member of Parliament in the National Assembly serving on the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, and Deputy Secretary of the IFP EThekwini District, your commitment to leadership, service, and community development continues to inspire many. We wish you good health, wisdom, strength, and many more years of impactful leadership.

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝑯𝒐𝒏. 𝑻𝑴 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂! 𝑾𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚.
🟥⬜️⬛️🟨🟩⬜️🟥
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Today, we honor the life of a devoted leader, servant to the community, and dedicated member of the movement, Hon. Cllr Mncedisi Russel Nxumalo.

As the Durban Metro District Secretary of IFPYB, a National Council Member, and a Councillor in eThekwini Municipality, your leadership and dedication continue to inspire many. Your work on the Economic Development Committee and Town Planning Committee demonstrates your commitment to strengthening communities and promoting development for our people.

Have a wonderful and blessed birthday. May you continue to lead with purpose and excellence.

Happy Birthday, Hon. Cllr M.R. Nxumalo!
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