MK Party’s Sibonelo Nomvalo says the organisation will announce mayoral candidates for all eight metros within weeks as it intensifies preparations for the 2026 local government elections and builds towards what it calls a decisive victory.
Image: MK Party / X
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has confirmed that it will announce its mayoral candidates for all eight metropolitan municipalities within the next two weeks as it intensifies preparations for the 2026 local government elections and says it is confident of a “decisive victory”.
Addressing the media on Thursday following a three-day national officials’ meeting held in Durban from 1 to 3 June 2026, MK Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo said the organisation was finalising its election strategy, mobilisation programme and organisational structures ahead of the polls.
“The National Officials’ Meeting received reports from all provinces regarding electoral preparedness.
''The National Officials are satisfied with the progress achieved in strengthening election structures, voter mobilisation programmes, branch campaigns and volunteer recruitment.''
He added that the party remained confident of a strong showing in the elections.
He said the party would field candidates in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Mangaung.
“The organisation is going to ensure that local government public representatives who will be contesting on behalf of the MK Party are known, trusted and chosen by the communities they wish to represent, and have the human compassion and technical capabilities required to listen to our people and to deliver services that unlock local government potential,'' he said.
He said the party had completed more than 50 regional consultative meetings across districts and metropolitan areas as part of its national election preparation programme aimed at strengthening structures and mobilisation capacity.
“After careful deliberation and analysis of the enormous task of preparing a demanding elections programme across the country, the National Officials decided to strengthen the provincial elections task teams,'' Nomvalo added.
He confirmed that the party remained confident of a “decisive victory” in the upcoming elections, citing progress in voter registration drives, political education programmes, branch development and volunteer recruitment.
Nomvalo also confirmed that the party would continue with its legal challenge against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), with a court case scheduled for 18 June 2026 at the Johannesburg High Court.
“The MK Party remains committed to defending the democratic rights of its members and supporters through lawful means and pursuing all constitutional and legal avenues regarding matters it believes affect electoral fairness and democratic participation.”
Nomvalo further confirmed that former president Jacob Zuma, an official of Zuma, would be involved in upcoming party activities linked to the IEC matter.
He said the party would roll out a national mobilisation programme focused on voter registration, political education and community engagement ahead of the elections, alongside planned protest actions on service delivery and anti-corruption issues across major metros.
“A series of public protest actions will be rolled out across the country,” adding that these would form part of the party’s broader campaign strategy ahead of the elections.
As part of its organisational build-up, the MK Party confirmed internal deployments to strengthen provincial election structures.
In Mpumalanga, Nomvalo said second deputy president Tony Yengeni had been deployed as provincial elections convener, while Lindiwe Mtshali, secretary of the Women’s League, had been appointed provincial elections coordinator. Qiniso Cibane was deployed as provincial organiser.
In the North West province, Aleck Nkuna, currently national organiser, had been deployed as provincial elections convener, supported by Nomusa Dlamini as provincial elections coordinator and Nkateko Mkabela as provincial elections organiser.
Nomvalo clarified that these deployments are internal organisational interventions aimed at strengthening election coordination on the ground and do not amount to demotions, removals or changes to national leadership positions.
He said the deployed leaders will continue to hold their national roles, adding that the purpose is to reinforce provincial election machinery, improve coordination and ensure effective preparation for the elections.
Nomvalo said additional members would be integrated into provincial structures under the leadership of the deployed teams.
He added that the party would release its 2026 local government manifesto after an upcoming policy workshop, followed by a national campaign programme focused on mobilisation and voter engagement.
Nomvalo said mayoral candidates for the eight metros would be announced once internal processes are completed and approved through official party structures.
Nomvalo said that the party was preparing for what it believes will be a defining electoral moment, saying it remained committed to “restoring the dignity and humanity of the people of South Africa through effective local government.”