Madam Deputy Speaker, by-elections are an important part of our electoral process and a good indicator of the support which the political parties have.
Over the past few years, particularly after the recent general elections, there have been many prophets of doom and critics who have continued to write off the IFP as a spent political force and attempted to consign us to an early grave. The reality of the situation is that the IFP continues to defy these pessimists and maintains a strong support-base amongst the electorate. The recent by-elections in KwaZulu-Natal bear testimony to this fact.
The IFP is proud recently to have won four by-elections out of five across KwaZulu-Natal; namely, Umvothi Ward 9, Indaka Ward 6, Okhahlamba Ward 1, and Nquthu Ward 5, despite expectations by many that we would fail. These results should serve as a timely reminder that the IFP should not be underestimated and is still a political force to be reckoned with. [Laughter.] I thank you. [Applause.]