MK Party tipped to govern in eThekwini after November elections

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is considered a front-runner to take over the governance of the eThekwini Municipality after the local government elections.

Political experts and opposition groups have stated that the MKP performed well in eThekwini during the last national government elections. However, opposition parties said a MKP takeover would be a disaster for governance.

Political analyst Prince Mashele predicted that the MKP would take over Durban. Speaking on the State of the Nation podcast, Mashele said after the elections, the MKP will govern eThekwini on its own, with no need for a coalition.

“The outcome of the local government elections will reflect fragmentation. I can give you a prediction, and you can call me after the elections. Umkhonto we Sizwe (Party) will take over the governance of eThekwini with a majority, so prepare yourself to welcome the mayor of eThekwini who comes from MK, whether you like it or not, it's going to happen,” he said.

This view was shared by other analysts who said a MKP takeover was a real possibility. Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela stated that the MKP stands a good chance of usurping the eThekwini metro, given that the party puts forward candidates with fewer or no skeletons in their closets.

“Those voting for the MKP will do so based on unseating other parties’ councillors and their sheer love for (MKP President) Mr Jacob G Zuma. What could derail the MKP is if it is represented by questionable characters known in the ward to be corrupt and unethical.

“Other parties should closely monitor how those nominated for ward councilorship are elected. It should be someone rooted in the community and who has been helping local residents. If the party cannot find anyone within its ranks, it may consider co-opting such a figure from outside the party,” said Ntombela.

Professor Musa Xulu mentioned that when Zuma formed the MKP in 2023, most of its visible membership came from the region of eThekwini.

“In the national elections of 2024, it was eThekwini voters who drove the MKP to obtain 45% of the total KZN vote. Judging by recent zonal public meetings in places like uMlazi, it appears that the MKP is very strong in the eThekwini municipal area.

“No other political party has attracted that number of attendees at their local rallies. While many believe that due to its organisational governance style, the MKP may be declining, it should be observed that ordinary supporters of the party are primarily supporters of Mr Zuma, wherever he goes. The warnings that the MKP may become the largest political party in eThekwini after the November 4 elections are not far-fetched,” he said.

The opposition parties in the eThekwini Council said the MKP was a threat but also had vulnerabilities.

IFP councillor in eThekwini, Jonathan Annipen, stated that the coming local government elections will undoubtedly be one of the most significant electoral contests in the history of eThekwini.

He said, based on the results of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, where the MKP performed strongly across KZN and secured substantial support within eThekwini, it would be irresponsible for any political party to dismiss the possibility of the MKP emerging as a major political force in the municipality.

“However, electoral success and the ability to govern effectively are two very different things. The IFP views the MKP as a serious threat not only to stable governance but also to the democratic gains that South Africans have fought so hard to achieve. Their rhetoric is often rooted in division, populism, and personality politics rather than practical solutions to the challenges facing municipalities.

“While they have been quick to criticise others, they have yet to present a coherent and credible programme for local government that addresses service delivery failures, infrastructure collapse, economic growth, and job creation,” he said.

The Democratic Liberal Congress (DLC) leader, Patrick Pillay, said that this local election is an open contest. “It is not about preventing any party from winning; it is about putting citizens first within a system of good governance and service delivery.”

He stated that the DLC is well-positioned to be the kingmaker and determine how the city will be run.

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