The IFP's poor performance in KwaZulu-Natal was due to poor performance by local councillors, party leader Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi said on Friday.

"It is true that some councillors did not play the ball. It seems that anger among people was a factor," he told a press briefing in Durban.

Buthelezi said he had held numerous meetings, long before the elections, with Inkatha Freedom Party councillors to discuss non performance.

According to provisional results of Wednesday's elections, the ANC trounced the IFP by an overwhelming margin in the province.

The elections also saw the ruling party assert its presence in most of the so-called IFP strongholds in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Although visibly disappointed, Buthelezi congratulated the ANC on its success and extended his good wishes to president elect Jacob Zuma.

"I wish to extend my good wishes to Jacob Zuma as he embarks on the onerous task of forming a new government. The ANC, however should not mistake the voter's message.

"South Africans were not saying that they are happy with declining service delivery and corruption."

Buthelezi said the elections had been an eye opener to his party, adding that it would work hard to gain more support and do much introspection.

"Today begins the dawn of a new chapter for the IFP. We will refocus our efforts and rebuild, and be in no doubt that it will not easy for one moment."

Buthelezi, who had been IFP president since the party's formation in the 1970s, reacted angrily when a journalist asked him whether he would continue as president.

"I'm not going to answer that question, because you're not a member of the IFP."

The IFP would hold its elective conference later this year.