Former MK Party Secretary-General Dr Bongani Mncwango Joins IFP

Dr Bongani Mncwango has defected to the IFP. Photo: Supplied

The former Secretary-General of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK Party), Dr Bongani Mncwango, has joined the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

Mncwango was unveiled on Wednesday morning in Durban by the President of the IFP, Velenkosini Hlabisa and Provincial Chairperson, Thami Ntuli.

“Today marks an important moment for the Inkatha Freedom Party as we officially welcome Dr Bongani Mncwango, former Secretary-General of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party, into the IFP family.

Mncwango served as the Secretary-General of the ANC’s splinter party from August last year, when Floyd Shivambu was unceremoniously axed. Last month, the party axed him and handed over the reins to Sibonelo Nomvalo.

In his speech to welcome Mncwango, Hlabisa described him as an accomplished intellectual with a distinguished public service career.

“Dr Mncwango brings with him a wealth of leadership experience from both the private and public sectors. His distinguished career includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Healthcare, Chief Executive Officer of Netcare 911, and Managing Director of Bonitas Medical Fund Administration. His expertise and strategic insight will significantly strengthen the IFP as we intensify our mobilisation efforts ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections,” Hlabisa said.

Hlabisa added that Mncwango’s decision to join the IFP is not incidental, but is a clear affirmation of the growing confidence in the IFP as a credible, principled, and values-driven political home.

“This is not an isolated development. Across the country, South Africans from diverse political backgrounds are choosing the IFP because they recognise in us a party rooted in integrity, constitutionalism, and ethical leadership. At a time of deep political uncertainty, the IFP stands firm as a beacon of stability, unity, and good governance.

“On Sunday, 12 April, I will continue this momentum by welcoming new members at Inkosi Langalibalele in Estcourt—further evidence that the IFP is expanding its footprint and reconnecting with communities on the ground. We enter this period with confidence and purpose. The IFP is fully in election mode. Our recent by-election successes reflect a growing trust from voters, and we are determined to build on this momentum,” Hlabisa added.