IFP MP Mkhuleko Hlengwa is one of the experienced eThekwini mayoral candidates that political parties have announced thus far.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has announced Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa as its mayoral candidate for the eThekwini Municipality.
Hlengwa was announced on Monday, 31 August, during a media briefing in Durban.
He previously served as the national chairperson of the IFP Youth Brigade and has been a Member of Parliament since 2012. As a member of Parliament he served as the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said Hlengwa brings extensive experience in government, public leadership and the party.
“In eThekwini, we will use a different approach, a two-pronged strategy of a mayoral candidate and a deputy mayoral candidate,” Hlabisa said.
The party announced Sizwe Skhakhane as its deputy mayoral candidate.
During the briefing, Hlengwa said he accepts the nomination and responsibility with a great sense of humility.
“This moment is not about an individual, it’s about our city. It’s about the people who have entrusted us with the responsibility of representing their aspirations and their hopes for a better future.
“I therefore accept this nomination not as a position to be occupied but as a responsibility to be carried,” Hlengwa said.
Last Friday, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party announced Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi as its mayoral candidate for the eThekwini Municipality. There had been speculation that the party would announce former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede as its candidate.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announced Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi as its mayoral candidate, while ActionSA announced Zwakele Mncwango.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) announced Haniff Hoosen, while the African National Congress (ANC) has yet to announce its candidate.
There has been speculation that the ANC could field eThekwini Council Speaker Thabani Nyawose as its mayoral candidate.
