ASSAULT ON IFP VOLUNTEERS IN IZINGOLWENI
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR
ASSAULT ON IFP VOLUNTEERS IN IZINGOLWENI
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal strongly condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the violent assault of three IFP comrades who were attacked while carrying out legitimate election campaign activities in the Izingolweni, KwaNyuswa area, Ward 34, on Sunday.
The incident occurred when IFP volunteers, accompanied by the IFP Ward Candidate, were putting up party posters in the area. They were confronted by individuals who allegedly told them that they did not want the IFP campaigning in their area.
The individuals proceeded to insult and attack the IFP volunteers. Our comrades attempted to avoid confrontation and escape from the scene by running away. Tragically, three of our comrades were severely assaulted and beaten with a hammer.
An assault case, including allegations of grievous bodily harm, has since been opened with the South African Police Service in the area. We welcome the opening of the case and urge the law enforcement authorities to act swiftly to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal condemns this incident as a serious attack not only on our members, but also on the democratic principles that underpin our constitutional order. Political parties and individual candidates have a democratic right to campaign peacefully, engage with communities and seek the support of voters.
As we approach the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, there can be absolutely no justification for any group or individual to declare an area a so-called “no-go area” for a particular political party.
It is deeply concerning that, 32 years after South Africa attained freedom and democracy, there are still people who believe they can dictate which political parties may campaign in particular communities. No individual, group or political formation has the right to deprive voters of the opportunity to hear from different political parties and make their own informed choices at the ballot box.
The IFP believes firmly in political tolerance, freedom of association, freedom of expression and the right of every eligible voter to participate freely in democratic processes without intimidation or fear.
URGENT CALL FOR SOCIAL COHESION INTERVENTION
In light of this incident and the apparent level of political intolerance in the area, the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal, through its Provincial Chairperson, Hon Thamsanqa Ntuli, is calling for the urgent convening of a social cohesion public gathering in the Izingolweni, KwaNyuswa area.
This gathering should bring together all relevant community and public stakeholders, including traditional leaders, political party leaders, religious leaders, law enforcement leadership, representatives of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and relevant government structures, as well as community representatives.
The purpose of such a gathering must be to openly confront the issue of political intolerance, promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence, and reaffirm the democratic right of all political parties to campaign freely and peacefully in the area.
We believe that lt is better to act early than to act late. We cannot wait for a situation of political intolerance to deteriorate further or for another, potentially more serious, incident to occur before stakeholders intervene.
The events of Sunday should serve as a warning to all of us that urgent preventative action is required. Political violence and intolerance must be confronted before they become entrenched in communities.
The IFP therefore appeals to all stakeholders to respond positively to this call and work together to ensure that Izingolweni and surrounding communities remain peaceful and that all political parties are able to conduct their campaigns without intimidation, threats or violence.
We further call on the law enforcement agencies to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and to ensure that those responsible are speedily brought to book. There must be no impunity for political violence, intimidation or attacks on campaigners.
We also call on the IEC to strengthen its civic and voter education campaigns ahead of the elections. Communities must be reminded that South Africa's democracy belongs to all of us, and that every registered political party and every eligible voter has the right to participate in the electoral process peacefully and freely.
Political competition must take place through ideas, policies and the ballot box, not through threats, intimidation and violence.
The IFP particularly appreciates the restraint demonstrated by our comrades during this incident. Despite being attacked, they did not return fire with fire or seek revenge. Instead, they chose to report the matter to the police and allow the law to take its course.
We urge all IFP members, supporters and volunteers across KwaZulu-Natal to continue exercising the same restraint. We must never respond to violence with violence. Our campaign must remain peaceful, disciplined and focused on presenting our vision for better and accountable local government.
At the same time, we call on all political parties contesting the upcoming elections to commit themselves to peaceful campaigning and to respect the democratic rights of their political opponents. There must be zero tolerance for political intimidation, threats, attacks and the creation of political “no-go areas”.
The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve an election campaign in which political parties can freely reach communities, voters can hear competing political messages, and citizens can cast their votes without fear or intimidation.
The IFP will not be deterred by acts of violence and intimidation. We will continue to campaign peacefully, democratically and lawfully across KwaZulu-Natal.
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