IFP’s Sizwe Sikhakhane Challenges KZN Premier Over Durban Soldier Deployment, South Africans React
- The Inkatha Freedom Party's eThekwini Deputy Mayoral Candidate Sizwe Sikhakhane publicly criticised the deployment of soldiers in Durban
- Sikhakhane accused KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli of failing to direct the army against illegal immigrants on Moore Road
- The remarks drew sharp reactions from South Africans, as both Sikhakhane and Ntuli are members of the same political party
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Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
KWAZULU-NATAL — The Inkatha Freedom Party's Deputy Mayoral candidate for eThekwini, Sizwe Mavava Sikhakhane, has publicly lashed out at what he described as a failure to use the military against undocumented foreign nationals, while accusing Premier Thami Ntuli of targeting ordinary South Africans instead.
Speaking in a street interview outside a Durban court on 12 October 2026, Sikhakhane directed his criticism at Ntuli's use of soldier deployment, questioning why the army was not being sent to areas such as Moore Road, which he claimed was occupied by illegal immigrants.
The KZN Premier, who is also an IFP member, recently called for the army to be deployed in the province following the violent unrest that played out in the CBD and surrounding areas.
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Sikhakhane questions Ntuli's priorities
Sikhakhane argued that South African citizens were being treated as criminals while foreign nationals operating illegally faced little consequence.
He also claimed that Ntuli had changed, saying it appeared as if the Premier no longer worked for the country but was there to serve foreigners.
His remarks were also connected to the IFP's active campaigning ahead of the November 2026 Local Government Elections, with Sikhakhane suggesting that the deployment of soldiers in Durban was disrupting the party's efforts on the ground.
How did South Africans react?
The video drew considerable debate online.
@SiyabonCyah14 wrote:
"He wants to be Deputy Mayor but doesn't understand the fact that the only person who can deploy the Army is the President; it's basics."
@MyezaMzwamandla was sceptical of his motivations:
"Wait until he gets that mayoral position; he will sing a different song altogether."
@ThabisoGum36509 responded:
"The IFP called soldiers against South African citizens. He really crossed the line."
@Land_a_priority asked:
"Why don't they call the soldiers to remove illegal immigrants that are roaming the streets and committing crimes?"
@b_nginkosiNkosi questioned:
"So he is the only one patriotic in that party?"
Phakel’umthakathi calls for calm in Durban
Nkosikhona Phakel’umthakathi Ndabandaba called for calm amid the escalating violence in the Durban Central Business District
Briefly News reported that shops were looted, vehicles torched, and several people were arrested during the unrest.
Speaking from the scene of the chaos, Ndabandaba warned leaders against inciting community members to commit acts of destruction.
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Source: Briefly News
