Inkatha Freedom Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa took the IFP’s local government campaign to Limpopo on Saturday, launching the party’s five-point manifesto in Greater Tzaneen with a blunt warning that South Africa is facing a “do or die” election.
Speaking before traditional leaders, party officials, candidates and supporters at the party’s Limpopo manifesto launch in Mopani District, Hlabisa said the IFP was offering practical action over empty promises as voters head to the polls on 4 November 2026.
“This election, on 4 November 2026, is a defining moment for our nation,” Hlabisa told the crowd.
“From Tongaat to Tzaneen, every village, township, small town, dorpie and metropolitan area must receive services that protect families, support livelihoods, create opportunities and restore dignity.”
The IFP president said he had come to Limpopo to deliver a message of hope but could not ignore the reality on the ground – unreliable water, collapsing roads, sewage spillages and electricity disruptions.
“Water supplies are unreliable, roads are deteriorating, sewage spillages threaten our communities, and electricity disruptions affect households and businesses. At the same time, thousands of young people are searching for employment, while small businesses struggle to survive,” he said.
“We must speak plainly about the reality of our current situation.”
Hlabisa said poverty and infrastructure decay were not abstract issues.
“When we look across our province, we see not just the potential, but the stark, painful reality of neglect. In Tzaneen and throughout Limpopo, we see the crushing weight of poverty that holds families back, trapping them in cycles of struggle,” he said.
“We see the visible decay of infrastructure that was once our pride, now crumbling under the strain of years of mismanagement.”
He directly addressed local frustrations, including residents of Mokgolobotho who have protested for months demanding pedestrian infrastructure in the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan.
“No parent should have to worry every morning about whether their child will reach school safely. No learner should be forced to walk dangerously close to traffic because pedestrian facilities are inadequate,” Hlabisa said.
“Municipalities must listen to residents and ensure community priorities are reflected in development plans and budgets. Public participation must be more than a meeting or a signature on an attendance register.”
The core of the IFP’s pitch is its 2026 five-point manifesto, which Hlabisa described as a people’s contract.
The plan promises to prioritize basic services and infrastructure, jobs and livelihoods, respect for traditional leadership, fighting corruption and responsible financial management, and empowering women, youth and persons with disabilities.
“People of Tzaneen, we hear you. We understand your frustrations,” he said.
On infrastructure, he said IFP-led municipalities would prioritize repair of roads and bridges, filling potholes, maintaining stormwater systems and improving rural road networks, with special attention to pedestrian safety.
On water, he was unequivocal.
“Water is essential to life, health, agriculture and economic development. When taps run dry, the people suffer, farmers lose productivity and businesses struggle to operate,” he said.
“We need reliable infrastructure, regular maintenance, reduced water losses and investment in treatment and distribution systems.”
Hlabisa also made a strong play for traditional leadership, a key constituency in Limpopo. He said traditional leaders understand local customs and must have a direct voice in municipal development.
“Traditional leaders remain important partners in communities throughout Limpopo. Their contribution deserves recognition and respect,” he said.
“We will promote stronger cooperation between municipalities and legally recognised traditional institutions.”
On corruption, Hlabisa said public money was being wasted while residents suffered.
“Public money belongs to the people. It is not the property of politicians, officials or political parties. It must be managed responsibly and used for its intended purpose,” he said.
“Every wasted rand represents an opportunity lost to repair a road, improve water supplies, maintain a public facility or create economic opportunities.”
“The IFP will champion transparent procurement, merit-based appointments, sound financial management and effective oversight.”
He said councillors must be visible and accountable.
“Leadership does not mean appearing at public gatherings and disappearing when problems arise. It means listening to residents, visiting wards, following up on complaints,” Hlabisa said.
Hlabisa said Limpopo, and Greater Tzaneen in particular, had enormous potential in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and small business, but municipalities were making it harder for entrepreneurs.
“Municipalities must make it easier, not harder, for businesses to establish themselves, operate and grow,” he said, pledging support for informal traders, spaza shop owners and small-scale farmers.
Closing his address, Hlabisa framed the November vote as a crossroads.
“For this is truly a ‘do or die’ election for South Africa. We stand at a critical crossroads. The choice before us is stark: either we choose the right leaders and we move forward, building the nation we all dream of, or we pick the wrong leaders and the severe decline of our country continues,” he said.
“If we fail to choose correctly, we condemn our future to instability, deeper poverty, and the erosion of the very services upon which our people rely. The stakes could not be higher.”