IFP, ANC trade barbs over Mbizana statue and service delivery

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the African National Congress (ANC) have engaged in a political exchange over the Mbizana statue and service delivery issues in the Eastern Cape. The IFP held its Heritage Month commemoration in Mbizana, criticizing the municipality's infrastructure and service delivery. In response, the ANC unveiled a statue honoring liberation icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, highlighting its historical ties to the area.

IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa questioned how residents and businesses could have confidence in a municipality with deteriorating roads and infrastructure, while the unveiling of the Madikizela-Mandela statue placed the ANC's historical connection to the area in the public spotlight. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane delivered a lecture and led the statue unveiling, emphasizing women's leadership and the significance of the event in a municipality led by a woman mayor.

The IFP also criticized the relationship between traditional leadership and the Eastern Cape government, urging communities to support parties addressing their concerns. Meanwhile, the statue has sparked controversy on social media, with some residents questioning the expenditure and arguing that municipal resources should be directed towards pressing service delivery problems.