Attending the IFP 50th birthday celebration in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, was nothing short of life-changing. It wasn’t just an event—it was a homecoming, a reaffirmation of purpose, and a deep dive into the heartbeat of a movement I have long admired from afar.
My name is Zintle Khobeni, a humanitarian by nature, a GBV survivor, an award-winning women's rights organization founder, and a digital activist through storytelling.
I am also the former Provincial Chairperson of the Women's Forum under ActionSA in the Western Cape, and the former National Head of Fundraising for the Youth Forum under ActionSA. Both roles I served with dignity and pride. I was born and bred in both the civil and political sector, which has shaped my journey as an advocate.
A significant part of my advocacy work has been shaped by the Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) Fellowship program, where I proudly represent the SADC region. With a particular focus on Gender Justice and Gender Based Violence and Femicide. This opportunity has allowed me to build and network with like-minded humanitarians who are committed to social, economical, environmental and political justice.
Through WOSSO, I have expanded my impact and influence in both the civil society and political sectors, and I remain deeply committed to creating spaces where advocacy, policy design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation thereof can thrive. Where women's voices are recognized, valued and amplified.
With the growing global backlash on human rights, as a political party rooted in fairness and justice, we have a critical role to play in advancing gender, economic and political justice efforts, particularly in South Africa. That is why I am so proud to be finally home, so we can drive meaningful change together.
I have always believed in the idea of the IFP. For years, I longed to be a part of this political home, but the absence of IFP activity in the Western Cape left me in a state of frustration. As an activist, a woman with a voice, and a leader in the gender and political justice space, I knew I had to do something.
My journey in politics led me to ActionSA, where I became active simply because there was visible movement on the ground in the province. But deep inside, I knew my heart belonged elsewhere. It was just a matter of time, of alignment, of the universe conspiring to prepare me for a greater purpose and to bring me back to where I truly belonged, to the Inkatha Freedom Party.
When the moment finally arrived for me to come home, I reached out to the IFP’s offices, determined to secure my membership. So yes, to everyone who kept asking me, aren't you Zintle from the Western Cape, yes comrades it's me. The woman who kept harrassing everyone over the phone asking to be connected to other members.
I have a lot of hilarious stories to tell about that experience. Stories for another day perhaps.
I must say, I am appreciative of the dedicated members in the KZN Office, which I had an opportunity to also visit. These comrades, together with Advocate Anthony Mitchell who was in parliament at the time, played a pivotal role in making my membership happen. Their encouragement and belief in the potential of the IFP is what gave me the push I needed.
And now, here I am, a proud IFP member, happy to be part of this movement under the capable leadership of President Velenkosini Hlabisa.
For me, his leadership is a testament to the wisdom of our great leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi (Shenge), who entrusted him with this responsibility. We must support him and ensure that we live up to the spirit of Shenge and honor his legacy.
Shenge is our great ancestor, and he lives among all those who value authentic leadership and Ubuntu.
People have been asking me, "Why the IFP? Does the Western Cape need the IFP?"These are important questions, and that is why I am always happy to answer them with clarity and precision. Firstly, the Western Cape is the epitome of inequality, and where inequality reigns, we are bound to witness human rights violations.
The poorest and most marginalized people suffer a great deal in this province. For that reason alone, we must be present in the Western Cape to challenge the status quo. We are equal to the task, and our track record speaks for itself.
Secondly, it is undeniable that you cannot campaign in the Western Cape without the support of our Coloured communities.
Poverty, Lawlessness, illegal immigration, environmental issues, GBVF, Food Security, Education, Healthcare and other challenges persist in both our colored and black communities, and it is clear that a significan political shift in the province is needed in order for change and democracy to be enjoyed by everyone in the Western Cape.
Also, from my engagements with our people in these communities, they are not really keen on being led by political parties that racialize challenges that affect everyone who is marginalized and form part of the working class. In the Western Cape we have a pool of such parties, and frankly speaking, our people are not interested, therefore an alternative is urgently needed.
That is how we feature in this province, that is why it matters. Welcome to class bangani.
The IFP is well experienced to put up a political challenge in this province. The IFP embodies the idea of unity in our diversity, and that is exactly what the people of the Western Cape need. Not further raicial and ethnic divisions.
Thirdly, our constitution as a party mandates that we shall have structures in all provinces. Kucacile ke uba lento mayenzeke klaar. Ixesha lifikile ntozakuthi.
Some people have also questioned me—"You’re not Zulu, so why are you in the IFP?" To that, I say, we are in 2025—surely, we have moved past this kind of thinking. The IFP is not a Zulu party; it is a party for all South Africans. Before I belong to any tribe, I am a human being and a very proud South African.
My work and life experiences speak for itself, so please, do yourself a favour and keep calm, seat back, relax and watch us work.
I am deeply commitment to serving the people in the communities where I was born, where I have lived, and where I have learned about life. Through political work in the IFP I am very well continuing to be the voice for the voiceless, and that as a fact! qualifies me to be an active member in my political home—the IFP.
So let’s put an end to the nonsense and focus on what truly matters: building a better South Africa, together. United in our diversity.
While on the topic of diversity. I happen to speak eight of the twelve official languages in South Africa, so I am able to communicate with so many people, regardless of where they come from. Team North West was also there at the 50th celebrations and it was lovely to be able to communicate with my fellow comrades in Setswana. It was Nelson Mandela who said, " If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart".
Because of multilingualism, I also had an amazing moment with a group of proffessionals who had been staying at the Holiday Inn, they spoke Sepedi and SeSotho and that is what sparked a converstaion between us.
They are from Pretoria and they invited me to their table. Our language and cultural differences did not divide us, it brought us closer to each other and I believe they have taken a liking to the idea that is the IFP.
We had so much fun together as if we had known each other for years. It was at this moment that I wished I had a membership book right there and then. They are now good friends and potential comrades, who have since checked in to see if I made it safe back safely in the Western Cape.
I am humbled. Kea leboga banna ba ntate. That is how we build and grow nationally. Through one authentic converstaion at a time.
Then, there was the most precious little baby at Ehlathini Lodge where I stayed, she completely stole my heart. I spent the morning chatting with her, and her mother took some beautiful pictures of us together. Those small, unexpected moments of human connection remind me why I do this work. It was a gift I will forever cherish.
My drive back to Durban was an experience in itself. David from the Media and Communications team—what a legend! His music selection was on point, and it turns out that comrade David and I have a lot in common than we thought, one of those being our shared love for chicken licken. So before we hit the road we spoiled ourselves with what I would call lekker koos in Cape Town.
Honestly I could not have asked for a better road trip companion. Our converstaion was on fire and I must say, his girlfriend Andrea who is a school teacher is an absolutely stunning soul, inside and out. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with me. I was listening to each and every word and I am proud of comrade David for chosing positivity, love and passion for his work.
Thank you to Mr Joy and queen Kristy for ensuring that I am safe and happy. But pheeew!!!that road to and from Ulundi? A nightmare. I do not do well with twisting, turning roads. Honestly, the masterminds behind infrastructure planning need to rethink that one—it feels unsafe, and we need urgent solutions.
During the celebrations I also met an amazing woman—oh, how I wish I remembered her name! She was so kind, and she asked for a picture. Even though I was on the other side of the fence, I leaned in and made sure she got her moment. If anyone reading this knows her, please extend my warmest gratitude. Enkosi, Mama! You are such an inspiration to me.
It is true that when women come together, magic is bound to happen. This moment was magical.
And then there were the many incredible men and women I met—each one reaffirming why I am on this journey.
This past weekend served as a confirmation that Indlovu iyaphila, iya phambili and the Western Cape residents also deserve the IFP. As one of the most unequal province in South Africa, the very same one that global reports use to illustrate the stark reality of inequality. The people who bear the brunt of this inequality are people who look like me and you—
The marginalized, the working class, the forgotten voices of women, youth, persons with disabilities and the queer community living in underserved communities such as Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Dunoon, Joe Slovo, Kraaifontein, Delft, Hanover Park, Zoah, and Manenberg to name a few in the Cape Metro Region.
These communities are crying out for real leadership, for a political home that understands their struggles, and for a movement that is rooted in service, integrity, and resilience. The IFP is that movement.
We have governed. We have led. We have built communities. And now, it is time to extend that leadership to the Western Cape.
What I witnessed in Ulundi can be replicated to this province. Because the 50th bithday celebrations in Ulundi was more than just an event—it was a call to action.
A reminder of why we fight, why we build, and why we never stop pushing forward.
A special note of appreciation goes to the DA leadership in KwaZulu-Natal. I noted the presence of Minister Dean McPherson and DA leader Francois Rodgers. This, for me, spoke to political tolerance, where we all set aside differences and focused on the positivity our collective efforts can bring when we work together.
I remember a lighthearted moment during the event when one of the speakers, while acknowledging the presence of dignitaries, accidentally mispronounced Minister Dean McPherson’s surname.
The slip did not go unnoticed, and throughout the event, his colleagues playfully leaned into the mispronunciation, calling him "McPerson" with a shared chuckle.
It was a simple yet beautiful moment that reflected the very essence of unity in diversity—something I always speak about. It reminded me that even in politics, where differences often divide, laughter and camaraderie have the power to bring us together. Thank you to all for coming to celebrate with us.
I also extend my gratitude to the religious and traditional leaders who graced the occasion. The event was spectacular, and our president gave a moving speech that still rings in my head.
I think it is safe to say that we are well underway with our campaigns towards the 2026 Local Government Elections and the 2029 General Election. These are exciting times indeed.
I left Ulundi more determined than ever. My time at the celebration was filled with so many powerful moments, and I wanted to share some of the experiences that made this event so unforgettable. I may not remember everyones name but thank you all. I see you comrades.
Thank you to everyone who made me feel welcome—Pastor Reuben and Kristy for their kindness, Baba Otto Kunene and Mnguni for their wisdom and grace—enkosi! Tumie Ramakoaba, Bhuti Bonginkosi, our Gauteng PC, David and the entire media team, Zamo Buthelezi and the crew, the ladies at the IFP head office(Sis Nomsa Mkhize gave me a T-shirt as a gift) Enkosi Khabazela.
To the staff at Holiday Inn, and even the incredible women who made us food and cleaned our ladies’ bathroom—your presence and role were truly appreciated.
The camaraderie and unity I felt in Ulundi reminded me of why I am on this journey.
I also had an interesting encounter with SABC journalist Bhut’ Lumko Jimlongo. When he found out I was from the Western Cape, he gave me a look and said, "IFP? In the Western Cape?" That reaction intrigued me. I appreciate such shock because it presents an opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn—both for myself and for others. I take it as an opportunity to teach others about my political home, the IFP.
Ulundi was more than just an event—it was a call to action. The IFP is a movement, a legacy, and a family. And now, it is time for that family to expand into the Western Cape.
So, while driving back to Durban David asked me a very important question, "What would you say was your highlight this weekend? and Oooh boy! I had tons and I really wanted to share with you as much as possible.
Here's another one. I stayed at Ehlathini Lodge, and what an experience that was! The staff was kind, the atmosphere welcoming—and I even crashed a wedding. An interracial couple was getting married, and what a sight to behold!
Their union was a powerful reflection of unity in our diversity, one of the IFP’s core values. Having been in an interracial marriage myself, I understood the beauty of that moment on a personal level.
And yes, I blended right in—an uninvited but very well-dressed guest! (Let’s just say, if anyone from that wedding sees this… thank you for letting me be part of your love story. Your photos are probably extra fabulous with me in the background!)
One of the most hilarious moments I had in Ulundi was when I tried to request an Uber. After greeting the driver in isiZulu, I switched to English—only for him to respond, "Haibo! Ekuseni kangaka, kahle nge-English, sisi?! Hawu!" before abruptly hanging up.
It took me a moment to realize what had just happened, but once I texted him in isiZulu, he called me right back. His very honest reaction had me in stitches! And honestly, who really wants to speak English that early in the morning? That moment made me fall even deeper in love with the community.
The spirit of Ulundi is unmatched—it’s home.
It wouldn’t be a blog written by me if there wasn’t a little twist before I wrap things up! On my flight back to Cape Town, I witnessed yet another unforgettable moment. Our pilot, Mr. Dean McConnell, was flying his final flight in South Africa before embarking on a new journey abroad.
As passengers, we clapped in celebration of this milestone, but of course, I couldn’t let it end there. Anyone who knows me knows I have a way of starting conversations, and this was no exception—I convinced him to step out of the cockpit so we could give him a proper farewell.
I also made sure to remind him that as he ventures into new skies, he carries the story of South Africa with him. He must tell the world about our beautiful, diverse, and resilient country.
Now, Mr. McConnell is my new friend, and I will be sharing a blog piece on him soon!
Once again, thank you to each and everyone of you who made this past weekend amazing, memorable and energizing. I am so ready to hit the ground running. Watch this space!!!
Bendinixelele, ndathi ndinabo, abantu bam! Abazalana nam!!! Abantu bam ke mna are my comrades in the Inkatha Freedom Party.
With that song, ndiyayivala. Ndisithi camagu ntozakuthi. Makudede ubumnyama kuvele ukukhanya.
Chosi!!! and happy reading bangani.
Sethembe!
