District mayor vies for KZN premiership
FOR the first time in over two decades, the IFP firmly believes it has the right candidate to take over KZN as premier.
The party trusts that seasoned Zululand candidate Thami Ntuli is equipped, experienced and committed for the task of good governance in the province.
Speaking to the ZO on Friday, Ntuli said he accepted the nomination with humility, and with the province greatly affected with crime, floods, unemployment and various social ills, it is ‘time to bring back hope’ to KZN. “I believe a strong community, motivated by enthusiasm, goodwill and co-operation, may achieve a tremendous deal of good and overcome all obstacles in its path," said Ntuli, who is the incumbent King Cetshwayo District mayor and KZN Salga chair.
“We have yet to win the battle against criminality, unemployment, the rise of substance abuse, moral decay, poor service delivery, and a lack of social justice, equal opportunities and proper education.
“These evils do not belong in a successful multi-party democracy. If we wish to give substance to the form of democracy, we need to address the bread-and-butter issues of the people living here,” he said.
Ntuli also said, while the party is ‘fishing in the same pond’ as other parties, he remains unshaken.
Party endorsement
Ntuli, a former teacher and previous mayor of Nkandla, is believed to have been backed by the IFP's national council.
According to a statement by the IFP Youth Brigade (IFPYB) National Executive Committee (NEC), the party stands united in its unwavering support for Ntuli.
“The IFPYB NEC believes Ntuli’s longstanding history in the party and the various roles he has fulfilled, together with his unwavering commitment, profound dedication, and exceptional leadership qualities, will make him an ideal premier of KZN.
“We pledge our full commitment to working alongside him, empowering our youth and championing the aspirations of future generations in the province,” said IFPYB national chairperson Sanele
Zondo.
The real battle
However, cultural, social and political analyst Professor Musa Xulu said, while Ntuli is the ‘most appropriate’ candidate, winning the province is ‘a different story’.
“The party has one problem: it's popular, but popularity doesn’t mean winning votes. In politics, you can’t take things for granted, and at the moment the ANC is the only party campaigning.
“Campaigning is important when approaching elections. The real battle for votes is yet to come.
“In KZN, there are municipalities with huge populations, such as uMgungundlovu, Ugu, Harry Gwala, Ilembe and eThekwini. “Winning these regions means taking over the province, and I can see the IFP reaching only between 22% and 24%,” said Xulu.
If we wish to give substance to the form of democracy, we need to address the bread-and-butter issues of the people living here
- Thami Ntuli