The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have won three of five contested by-elections, reclaiming wards held by the National Freedom Party (NFP).

The party won Ward 7 and Ward 20 in Nongoma local municipality from the NFP, in KwaZulu-Natal.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa explained that in Ward 7 the IFP received 1 280 votes and in Ward 20 the party received 981 votes.

These wards became vacant following the resignation of NFP councillors.

“… voters have now returned the mandate to the IFP — restoring the party’s outright majority in the municipality,” said Hlengwa.

He pointed out that the IFP now held 23 of the 45 seats in Nongoma local municipality, placing it firmly back in control.

Prior to this outcome, the IFP was governing through a coalition arrangement with the Economic Freedom Fighters, which holds two seats, and the National African People’s Front, which holds one seat.

The IFP also secured a victory in Ward 12 of Abaqulusi local municipality, also in KwaZulu-Natal, where it received 1 628 votes, reaffirming the IFP’s strong grassroots support and organisational strength, said Hlengwa.

The IFP further contested Ward 32 in Buffalo City metropolitan municipality and Ward 14 in Winnie Madikizela-Mandela local municipality in the Eastern Cape.

“While the party did not win these wards, it recorded increased support compared to the 2021 Local Government Elections, signalling growing national appeal,” he explained.

Hlengwa highlighted that these results delivered a strong showing that he said underscored the party’s growing electoral momentum and continued voter confidence.

“These results send a clear political message: South Africans are increasingly placing their trust in the IFP as a credible alternative for stable, accountable governance,” he stated.

The party called on its newly elected councillors to serve with integrity and dedication as the party builds momentum towards the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Since the 2021 Local Government Elections, the IFP has now secured 47 by-election victories nationwide, with Hlengwa saying this strengthened its position as a growing political force.

The party now governs 19 municipalities with outright majorities.