Thami Ntuli Chosen as IFP's Premier Candidate for KwaZulu-Natal

In a critical move ahead of the national and provincial elections, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has selected Thami Ntuli, the chairman of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) IFP, as its premier candidate. This strategic selection was made with a vision to revitalize governance in the province which was once the hub of South African development.

Ntuli, who currently serves as the mayor of King Cetshwayo District Municipality and the provincial chair of the South African Local Government Association, received a unanimous nod from the party's national council, showcasing the unity within the party and bolstering Ntuli's legitimacy as a candidate.

This confidence was echoed by the IFP president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, who hailed Ntuli as the "most equipped, experienced, and committed" choice for steering the province towards the path of good governance. Hlabisa stressed the need for leadership that adheres to the party’s values, citing the province's crippling 20-year decline marred by corruption under the current government.

The IFP's campaign for the KZN is centered around the promise of restoring transparency, integrity, and efficiency to the government. Outlining the election strategy, Hlabisa noted that all IFP structures had been briefed and ready to aggressively move forward with their commitments.

The campaign preparations include the mobilization of the IFP's structures and finalization of policies and plans, following a special meeting that took place on a recent Sunday. Indicating their readiness for the elections, the IFP announced its anticipation to unveil an election manifesto that will outline the party's approach and solutions for the province's challenges.

Hlabisa’s statement articulates a transformative vision for KZN, aiming to regain its leading status in various sectors such as education, industry, commerce, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. The IFP leverages its legacy and track record in governance to assert that the time has come for a significant change, a change that Ntuli is poised to champion.

As the elections approach, KZN is presented with an opportunity for reinvention and a restored faith in the government's capability. Thami Ntuli's candidacy signifies the IFP's pledge to delivering this transformation, and the party is confident that Ntuli's leadership will be instrumental in elevating the province's trajectory.