By Celani Sikhakhane
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is taking to the skies in its bid to retake control of the government of KwaZulu-Natal — and to make gains in other provinces as well.
On Friday, shortly after unveiling its new campaign helicopter decorated with the party logo, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa flew a giant banner featuring the face of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, his own face, and the party’s logo over the city.
The IFP is campaigning under the slogan “Do It For Shenge”, as the late Prince was popularly known. The helicopter will fly election messaging over KZN and Gauteng for two hours at a time on campaign days, until the 29 May election date.
Hlabisa and the IFP’s election campaign head, Narend Singh, flew over the Moses Mabhida Stadium where preparations for the party’s manifesto launch on Sunday were in full swing on Friday.
The stage was receiving final touches and large tents were being erected outside the stadium. The party has also secured a lineup of top musicians to entertain the anticipated crowd.
The IFP has been actively campaigning for weeks to fill the 75,000-seat stadium for its manifesto launch. Their efforts included a Valentine’s Day activation, where party members distributed red flowers to women at shopping centres.
The party’s youth wing has taken the “Fill-up Moses Mabhida” campaign to shisanyamas, nightclubs, and townships.
IFP KZN premier candidate Thami Ntuli said: “The IFP understands that KZN is the second-largest province in terms of voter population. We’re glad to be making a significant mark here. All political parties now recognise that winning KZN is crucial for national success.”
As part of their final push for the manifesto launch, the IFP also held a motorcade, and welcomed back party members who were previously fired for supporting former Nquthu mayor Mabilabila Kunene, who defected to the Abantu Batho Congress (ABC).
Pictured above: An IFP-branded helicopter flew over Durban for the Fill-up Moses Mabhida Stadium manifesto launch.
Image source: Supplied
