By Celani Sikhakhane
ANC and IFP supporters in Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, used the Government of National Unity (GNU) arrangements in KZN to collaborate and win by-elections.
Peace between the two parties, once the biggest enemies, was clear in Umzumbe on the South Coast ahead of the general elections, when they campaigned together and shared songs.
On Wednesday last week, six by-elections were held in areas under the municipality. The IFP snatched three seats from the ANC, while the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party took only one seat.
The municipality is now hung: the ANC and IFP have 17 seats each, with one seat for the MK party.
Members of Ward 19 were very cheerful. Some were seen shouting in the streets that they were now working together as one governing party in the province.
Well-known IFP Umzumbe activist Philly Oyisdudla said that the recent political developments in KZN have shown people that politics is a game that doesn’t require individual feelings.
“Don’t take it personally; we are working together now as a government in the province. There’s no need to fight. The most important thing is to bring services to the people. That is why we are campaigning together,” said Oyisdudla.
The unity displayed by KZN leaders of the ANC, IFP, DA, and NFP has brought harmony to parts of the province.
This has changed the political landscape in areas such as Umzumbe, where IFP and ANC members previously fought each other.
Pictured above: ANC and IFP supporters in a cheerful mood last week in Umzumbe, outside Port Shepstone, celebrating the GNU provincial arrangements.
Source: X
