GARETH VAN ONSELEN: Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s dismal electoral legacy
Apart from in KwaZulu-Natal, the IFP barely exists any more — but Buthelezi kept the charade going
On Sunday the leader of the IFP, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, announced he would be retiring from his position at the party’s next national elective conference. Buthelezi was an institution. He spent 42 years at the helm of the IFP, and lead it through South Africa's democratic era. There are, of course, many different elements to any leader’s tenure but in the final analysis it is votes that matter most. So, without commenting on his politics, which were important — particularly with regard to resolving conflict in KwaZulu-Natal — let’s look at how the IFP has performed at the polls and under Buthelezi’s guidance since 1994. First, with regard to the five national and provincial elections, the numbers are as follows: Nationally (national ballot): • 1994: 10.54% (2,058,294 votes) • 1999: 8.58% (1,371,477 votes) • 2004: 6.97% (1,088,664 votes) • 2009: 4.55% (804,260 votes) • 2014: 2.40% (441,854 votes) KwaZulu-Natal (provincial ballot): • 1994: 50.32% (1,844,070 votes or 41/81 seats) • 1999...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.