Former chief executive of Sanlam Healthcare and Netcare 911, Dr Bongani Mncwango, was on Wednesday unveiled as a new member of the IFP, at the party's headquarters during a media briefing ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. Mncwango was recently the uMkhonto weSizwe Party's secretary general before the party's reshuffling last month.
Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO Independent Newspapers
Former uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) secretary-general Dr Bongani Mncwango has joined the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), in a move party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says signals growing confidence in the organisation ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Mncwango was removed from his position in the MK Party last month, becoming the party’s seventh secretary-general to be ousted. He has since been replaced by Member of Parliament Sibonelo Nomvalo.
Addressing a media briefing at the IFP’s headquarters in Durban on Wednesday, Mncwango said he had been approached by four political parties but ultimately chose the IFP, citing its “mature leadership” as a key factor in his decision.
Hlabisa officially welcomed Mncwango, describing his arrival as a significant boost to the party’s election campaign.
“Today marks an important moment for the Inkatha Freedom Party as we officially welcome Dr Bongani Mncwango, former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, into the IFP family,” Hlabisa said.
He added that Mncwango’s experience across both the public and private sectors would strengthen the party as it ramps up mobilisation efforts.
“Dr Mncwango brings with him a wealth of leadership experience from both the private and public sectors,” Hlabisa said, noting that his background in healthcare and administration would add strategic value.
Hlabisa said Mncwango’s decision to join the IFP was “a clear affirmation of the growing confidence in the IFP as a credible, principled, and values-driven political home”.
Mncwango previously served as managing director of Bonitas Medical Fund Administration and chief executive of Sanlam Healthcare and Netcare 911.
Hlabisa said the move was part of a broader trend of South Africans from different political backgrounds choosing the IFP because they saw it as a party rooted in “integrity, constitutionalism, and ethical leadership”.
At a time of political uncertainty, Hlabisa said, the IFP remained “a beacon of stability, unity, and good governance”.
Chairperson of the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal ,Thamsanqa Ntuli, new member of the IFP member Dr Bongani Mncwango, and IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa, at party's headquarter's media briefing where the former uMkhonto weSizwe Party secretary general was announced as a new member of the IFP.
Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO Independent Newspapers
He also revealed that more members from the MK Party, ANC, and other political formations were expected to join the IFP at Inkosi Langalibalele in Estcourt on Sunday.
“Further evidence that the IFP is expanding its footprint and reconnecting with communities on the ground,” he said.
Hlabisa said the party’s recent by-election victories in KwaZulu-Natal had strengthened its confidence ahead of the local government polls.
“The IFP is fully in election mode. Our recent by-election successes reflect a growing trust from voters, and we are determined to build on this momentum,” he said.
He pointed to the party’s wins in by-elections held in December, January, February, and March, including contests in Nongoma and eBaqulusini, as proof of growing voter support in the province.
Hlabisa also praised Mncwango for what he called a “bold decision”, saying he had chosen to join an established political party instead of trying to form a new one.
“We do see some leaders when they don't see a future in a political party, where they are forming new political parties. Any formation of a political party now does not have the viability of succeeding,” he said.
''We welcome you, Dr Mncwango, and look forward to your experience and expertise contributing to the growth of the IFP and, above all, to serving the people of South Africa,'' said Hlabisa.
He said the IFP would hold its National Council Meeting on 13 April, followed by an Extended National Council on 20 April, where more than 600 leaders from across the country would meet to consolidate the party’s strategy ahead of the elections.
Hlabisa also called on South Africans to register to vote, saying they should not wait for the voter registration weekend in June.
“We call on all South Africans to register to vote without delay. Do not wait for the voter registration weekend in June.
“Registration is already open online and at IEC offices. The future of our municipalities - and our country - depends on active citizen participation,” he said.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL Politics