Power shift seen in Nquthu by-election results: analyst

The IFP cruised to victory by winning 14 of the 17 wards of the northern KZN area while the ANC managed only three.

This has secured the IFP 19 seats on the council. The ANC has 11 while the DA, EFF, and NFP each have one seat.

In August last year, the IFP secured 15 seats and the ANC - 14. 

Nquthu had not been able to elect office-bearers since last year's Local Government Elections. 

ALSO READ: Office-bearers to be elected following Nquthu elections

Aubrey Matshiqi says the outcome of yesterday's poll is an indication communities are looking for change. 

"It does tell us of a shift in the balance of support between the IFP and the ANC not only in Nquthu but possibly in the province. After the decline that the IFP went through, it may now be on its way to a recovery. They may have found support that the ANC has been enjoying during it's decline," he said.  

National Chairperson of the IFP, Blessed Gwala says a lot of hard work went into retaining the municipality.

"The energy in everything in making sure that we retain that municipality after the ANC has tried to usurp it using the laws of the country. Unfortunately, the people of Nquthu cannot be hoodwinked," he said. 

The ANC has congratulated the IFP. It’s also complained about ANC supporters allegedly being assaulted by IFP supporters in several wards yesterday.

ALSO READ: Nquthu by-elections: No major incidents reported, says IEC

The DA has also congratulated the IFP on the win - with the party's KZN leader, Zwakele Mncwango saying the outcome is exciting.

"It says people are now tired of Jacob Zuma and the ANC. They are now showing they will be able to give power to the opposition," he said.

National Freedom Party, spokesperson, Sabelo Sigudu says they are disappointed with how things turned out.

"We do appreciate all voters who trusted us  enough to give us a seat in Nquthu. Hwever, we still have time to object if there was a fault or rigging of votes," he said.