IFP looks beyond Buthelezi legacy to gain critical votes outside traditional support base.

 

Unveiling the manifesto's 13-point plan, Hlabisa said his party's ''programmed of action'' focused on creating jobs, unlocking the economy, dealing decisively with crime and corruption and ending rolling blackouts by diversifying the energy sector.

The IFP said spaza shops must be wholly owned by South Africans, that company's staff must include at least 80% South Africans and that low-skilled work must be reserved for South Africans. It also committed to strengthening immigration control to deal with the ''national security threat'' created by the ''illegal immigration crisis.''

''The IFP will roll our free basic education while reforming NSFAs so that it delivers on its mandate of empowering the youth'', reads the manifesto, which also commits to reducing the price of internet data.

''The IFP will roll out an Unemployed Graduate Grant of R3000 for a fixed period, to assist graduates to find meaningful employment.''

Hlabisa said the country was on the precipice, and the upcoming general elections could make or break it. The IFP is one of 11 members of the Multi-Party Charter, which has committed to forming a coalition if it can unseat the ANC. Polling suggests the ANC will lose its majority in KwaZulu-Natal, where the IFP is strongest, in Gauteng and possibly nationally.