IFP names Mkhuleko Hlengwa as eThekwini mayoral candidate

The Inkatha Freedom Party has named Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa as its mayoral candidate for eThekwini ahead of South Africa’s local government elections.

IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the party’s municipal candidates at a briefing in Durban on Monday.

Sizwe “Mavava” Sikhakhane was named as the party’s deputy mayoral candidate for eThekwini, while councillor Xolani Ngwezi will contest for mayor of the City of uMhlathuze.

The party said the appointments formed part of its election-readiness programme in KwaZulu-Natal. Hlengwa is the IFP’s national spokesperson, a member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Transport.

Parties move into local-election campaign

The announcement places Hlengwa at the centre of the IFP’s campaign in South Africa’s third-largest metro. eThekwini includes Durban and surrounding communities and will be one of the most closely contested municipalities in the election.

Hlabisa said the IFP would use a paired campaign structure in the metro, with Hlengwa leading alongside Sikhakhane.

The announcement came as political parties accelerated the release of ward and mayoral candidates. The local government elections are scheduled for 4 November 2026.

The IFP did not announce a full prospective mayoral committee at Monday’s briefing.