With the death of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the iconic founder and lifelong leader of the IFP barely 6 months prior to the South African national elections, the IFP’s had a big task of building their brand and campaign around the new leader within a very short time and convincing voters that the IFP was here to stay and remain a trustworthy force  in the SA political landscape.

With this in mind, Airborne was chosen to create maximum impact and to provide maximum exposure across  South Africa. It was also a means of reaching potential voters in “no go areas”.

From the Media launch of the campaign and the opening rally onwards, our Giant heli-banner flights received unprecedented coverage on National TV news, Print media, Digital channels and platforms! The talkability was unprecedented.

The elections were a pivotal moment in South Africa’s political landscape.  It presented the first opportunity to reduce the governing party’s majority to under 50%, but at the same time there was concern about the potential of what has been dubbed “The Doomsday Coalition”

Whilst the party clearly focused on its Kwa Zulu Natal base, it wanted to make a statement in parliament and in the commercial hubs of SA.

We produced banners with varying campaign messages in English, but also indigenous languages where appropriate.  Our helicopter covered thousands of kilometers and the banner was seen all over key voting districts in KZN, Gauteng, Free state, North West, Western Cape and East London.

The IFP was successful in securing the Premiership in Kwa Zulu Natal, and ministers in the GNU. It’s support base remained solid and ultimately it contributed to the Governing party losing the majority held for 30+ years.

The IFP followed up in March 2025 with another banner campaign  celebrating it’s 50th anniversary!

We are looking forward to once being called upon to elevate election campaign in the upcoming South African Local and provincial elections later in 2026.