The City of Durban, also known as eThekwini, is considered a crucial battleground in KwaZulu-Natal as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party seeks to challenge the African National Congress's (ANC) dominance. With 2 million registered voters, the municipality is set to play a significant role in shaping the province's local government landscape. The MK Party's efforts to unseat the ANC have garnered significant attention, with many viewing the election as a critical test for both parties.
A total of 546 political parties and nearly 137,000 candidates are contesting seats across the country, with 69 parties and 14 independent candidates vying for power in eThekwini. The ANC, which lost its outright majority in the municipality in 2021, is seeking to retain power with incumbent Mayor Cyril Xaba among its nominees for the position. The party's efforts have been bolstered by President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent campaign efforts in the area.
Other parties, including ActionSA, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have also fielded notable candidates. ActionSA's provincial chair Zwakele Mncwango and the DA's Hanif Hoosen are among those vying for the mayoral position. The EFF has nominated its member of Parliament, Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, who previously served as a councillor in Inanda. The MK Party has fielded church leader Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi as its candidate.
The local government elections have been marked by concerns over infrastructure and service delivery, with both ActionSA and the DA securing court orders to have the municipality address broken sewage infrastructure. The issue has become a critical concern for voters, with many hoping that the new administration will prioritize fixing the area's infrastructure.
Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu has noted that the MK Party's strength relies heavily on its leader, Jacob Zuma. According to Ndlovu, as long as Zuma remains a prominent figure, the party is likely to perform well in the local government elections, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng.
The Electoral Commission has expressed concerns over the spread of misinformation ahead of the elections, while law enforcement agencies have reported several incidents of violence and criminal activity during the special voting period. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has reported 21 criminal cases and six arrests related to the elections.
The eThekwini municipality is one of several key battlegrounds in the local government elections, with many parties viewing the area as crucial to their success. The outcome of the election is expected to have significant implications for the province and the country as a whole, with many hoping that the process will be peaceful and free.
Key points
- The City of Durban is a key battleground in KwaZulu-Natal, with the MK Party seeking to challenge the ANC's dominance.
- A total of 69 parties and 14 independent candidates are contesting in the eThekwini metro.
- The local government elections have been marked by concerns over infrastructure and service delivery.
