Inkatha Freedom Freedom Party (IFP) in Gauteng has officially welcomed new members from the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP) and other political formations, including the African National Congress (ANC) and the Econimic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

The development takes place against the backdrop of growing political instability in the country, with close to 500 political parties now registered with the IEC.

IFP Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Bonginkosi Dlamini, says the welcoming of the new members into their party is part of rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of the 2026 provincial elections, particularly in Gauteng.

“The IFP set itself a target from 2015 to say we want to consolidate what we have and grow the party beyond its base and ensure that we become decision makers in all spheres of government. Therefore, this is a step towards that and increasing the voice of the IFP in the 2026 local government elections,” says Dlamini.

Some of the new IFP members who were welcomed today say they left their political parties because their own values didn’t alignment with those of their organisations.

Former MKP Deputy Convener, Debbie Mchunu, says her previous political party was not addressing and working towards solving the issues that ordinary South Africans encounter.

“I left uMkhonto Wesizwe for various reasons. Their treatment is awful. Comrades that are there, they are there for the chase, not for the community and fortunately, I am for the community,” says Mchunu.

A former ANC Youth League Secretary, Tebogo Mali believes the IFP is the party that will serve the people.

“I believe the leadership of the IFP is visible in the community. They stand for the principle of Ubuntu. The leadership of IFP in Gauteng is doing a very great job and is corruption free party,” says Mali.

The IFP secured 4% of the vote in the last national election and just 1% in the Gauteng province.

VIDEO | Gauteng IFP welcomes new members from MKP, ANC and EFF