The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has retained Ward 4 in Nkandla, beating out the African National Congress (ANC) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), with 1 057 votes.

Twenty-three municipal ward by-elections were held on Wednesday, in the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Mpumalanga, and North West.

In Nkandla’s Ward 4 the MKP received 779 votes, while the ANC received 132 votes.

IFP KZN deputy chairperson Inkosi Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala said the win had once again affirmed the party’s “strong presence and support in the area”.

“This victory is not only a testament to the trust the people have in the IFP’s leadership, but also a clear message that Nkandla residents believe in the IFP's ability to deliver meaningful service and strong governance,” he said.

He highlighted that despite competition from the MKP, led by Jacob Zuma - who hails from Nkandla - and the ANC, residents chose the IFP.

Shabalala explained that the support of Ward 4 residents strengthened the party’s resolve to lead with “integrity, transparency, and a commitment to improving the lives of all residents.”