IFP KZN chairperson Thamsanqa Ntuli, new IFP member Dr Bongani Mncwango, and IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa, as IFP leaders, celebrate the addition of Dr Mncwango, anticipating a wave of new members from other parties.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
“You can trust us,” Dr Bongani Mncwango said after he put on his IFP T-shirt when he was welcomed by IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa in Durban on Wednesday.
Mncwango joins the IFP weeks after he was removed as MK Party (MKP) secretary-general, with Sibonelo Nomvalo replacing him.
Mncwango said he had four offers, including the IFP.
“Looking at the depth and the fabric of each organisation, looking at the experience in politics, looking at the level of stability within that organisation, looking at the potential growth for that organisation going forward and looking at the leadership, because the leadership bench is very important.
“It’s no good running ahead of yourself out of excitement. Only to find that you get frustrated working with people who probably have a different agenda than what you have joined the organisation for.”
Dr Bongani Mncwango dons his IFP T-shirt, marking a new chapter in his political journey.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
Mncwango suggested that the IFP has significant growth potential, holding an outright majority in 19 municipalities, which accounts for just over 7% nationally. He views this low base as an “appetising challenge”, arguing that it offers a large margin for growth and makes their larger competitors “an elephant” easier to “slice” due to the IFP’s smaller size.
“Also, looking at the organisation’s stability, it does provide a platform for the IFP for one to exercise the opportunity to present whatever initiatives you may have,” Mncwango said.
“You are dealing with a leadership core that has been around for a while and pretty much mature leaders in the IFP. Many things are not done hastily or recklessly. You think twice before you make a step. So that was attractive to me.”
Mncwango said that Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi started the IFP with the core purpose of serving South Africans. The 1912 movement aimed to unite disenfranchised Africans. This core, unifying mandate of the IFP is often poorly projected, particularly to younger generations.
“That for me presents a new path to really chart the direction of South African politics differently. You have the extremists on the left, you have the rightists, the conservatives on the right who want to maintain the status quo, the extremists want everything to be changed,” Mncwango said.
“If you follow Inkatha’s legacy, you’ll find that actually the platform Inkatha provides is one of a win-win solution. Those who are sitting on the left and right, we all come together, so we all win in this country of our forefathers, instead of a win-lose situation. So that to me was one element of excitement to join Inkatha Freedom Party.”
Mncwango added that his selection was timely and relevant. He believes that the expertise, experience, and qualifications he has will serve the people of KZN and South Africa well.
Welcoming Dr Mncwango: IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa highlights the importance of leadership experience.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
Welcoming the new member, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa said Mncwango brings a wealth of leadership experience from both the private and public sectors. His career includes serving as Sanlam Healthcare chief executive officer, Netcare 911 chief executive officer, and Bonitas Medical Fund Administration managing director.
“His expertise and strategic insight will significantly strengthen the IFP as we intensify our mobilisation efforts ahead of the upcoming local government elections,” Hlabisa said.
“His decision to join the IFP is not incidental—it is a clear affirmation of the growing confidence in the IFP as a credible, principled, and values-driven political home.”
Hlabisa added: “We welcome you, Dr Mncwango, and we are looking forward to your experience, your expertise, contributing to growing the IFP, but above all serving the people of South Africa.”
KZN IFP chairperson Thamsanqa Ntuli and new IFP member Dr Bongani Mncwango share a moment during Mncwango's unveiling in Durban.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
IFP KZN chairperson Thamsanqa Ntuli said: “Having Dr Mncwango alongside in our programmes is inspiring hope that we are going to see thousands and thousands of MKP members joining the IFP and members from other political parties also joining the IFP.
“I’m quite hopeful that Dr Mncwango’s presence is going to communicate a correct message about IFP to even the members of the MKP who will be inspired to also join the IFP.”
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za