By: Mfundo Mthembu

Ward 43 in Ntuzuma D township, north of Durban, is in conflict.

The area was politically governed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) under the leadership of the late Thomas Shabalala.

Shabalala had the reputation of being the most feared Inkatha warlord in KwaZulu-Natal.

During the IFP era, people had to oblige to Shabalala’s rule but after his passing, the community was liberated and transformed.

A new councilor, Dumisani Mabizela, was elected and demarcations occurred.

That was the birth of a new political era under the African National Congress (ANC).

“The issues at the moment is that former IFP members in the area are still living under Shabalala’s no longer existing supremacy.

“When there are community meetings for the IFP, everyone is forced to attend,” said Elizabeth Shangase a resident.

Joyce Msibi from the area added that some of the IFP community elders and followers are resisting transformation in the area.

“Only now we are getting Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses whereas under Shabalala we were leaving in shacks, with no running water and electricity,”
Thomas Khuzwayo, a resident said.

Former elder of the community and previously IFP spokesperson in the area, Thulani Mdletshe, said some of the community members have no grounds and they move where the
wind blows.

“Shabalala was a good leader and some of us will continue to carry on his legacy,” Mdletshe said.