MIDDELBURG — Newly established political party Impuquko Ezweni Lethu (IQZ) has called on residents of Middelburg to take control of their circumstances as it unveiled its manifesto ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
“Just complaining won’t address the challenges you’re facing. You have the power to change your current situation,” said IQZ spokesperson Kagiso Sibiya.
“The authority to effect change lies within you. We cannot continue to bemoan our issues. It is time to rise and take action for ourselves because, in the end, who will come to your aid if you do not first step up to help yourself?”
Sibiya was speaking to the Highveld Chronicle on the sidelines of the party’s manifesto launch held on Friday, 10 April 2026, at Adelaide Tambo Hall in Mhluzi.
The party, formed in October 2025, outlined key priorities it plans to advocate for ahead of the elections, including education, job creation, water and sanitation, healthcare and energy access.
Education and development
IQZ said it aims to strengthen early childhood development (ECD) by promoting skills training through collaboration between the public and private sectors. The party also plans to improve educational facilities and support community-based initiatives.
It emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to address skills shortages, adding that partnerships between municipalities, private enterprises and educational institutions will be key to delivering relevant programmes.
The party also pledged investment in school infrastructure, digital learning tools and teacher development to improve learning outcomes.
Job creation
The party said it plans to leverage the town’s industrial base, agricultural assets and mining sector, while supporting small businesses and township economies.
It aims to attract investment into the mining sector and equip communities with skills for self-sufficiency, with the goal of building a workforce that can sustain itself and attract further investment.
Economic opportunities
IQZ said it will introduce business-friendly policies to attract investors and create direct employment opportunities.
The party also plans to integrate spaza shops and informal traders into the mainstream economy, while addressing challenges such as nepotism, favouritism and discrimination to support local enterprises and create a fair business environment.
Healthcare
The party said it plans to improve public health facilities, including upgrades to clinics as well as district and regional hospitals.
It also aims to address staff shortages and ease the burden on healthcare workers to improve service delivery.
Energy and electricity
IQZ said it supports access to affordable and reliable energy, including the installation of solar systems in households.
The party said its goal is to improve energy security and reduce costs for residents.
Water and sanitation
IQZ said its priority is to provide safe and clean water, committing to expand water and sanitation services to all households.
It also plans to establish reserves to sustain communities in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Sibiya said the implementation of these plans depends on electoral support.
“These are the issues we will focus on if we are elected to council. We will do our best to improve conditions, and we are inviting the people of Steve Tshwete to join us in making Middelburg better,” he said.
