By Alec Hogg
As you will have noticed, I’m closely monitoring by-election results. This makes sense as they provide a dip-stick of voter temperature as we head towards the most important National Election in the young democracy’s history.
___STEADY_PAYWALL___One of the most apparent trends has been how the IFP has been smashing the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal. This is heartening for those who have long ago tired of the ANC’s ruinous socialist economic policies. The IFP is firmly aligned with a free enterprise future for South Africa, its founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi having been feted by Margaret Thatcher no less.
The image above shows how comprehensive a drubbing the IFP is giving the ANC, especially in the vote-rich rural areas of KZN. That was, until last week’s by-election in Ward 14 of the district around Estcourt. The IPF’s 8-0 score in ward victories over the ANC became 8-1. Some popular pundits saw this as a turnaround for the ANC.
Not so. IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa told me during yesterday’s interview (click here) that it was due solely to election fraud. The ANC brought (State-owned) food parcels to polling stations, dishing them out to those with pics proving how they voted. Sickening. Those guilty should be on the red carpet. Then again, it’s only when you have a reputation to protect that it’s rational to act against those trashing it.
Sterkte.
Alec
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