The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has taken a distinct approach in selecting its mayoral candidate for eThekwini, shortlisting four individuals for the position. This move comes as the party aims to address the pressing issue of political killings in the metro. With only one seat in the eThekwini council, the ATM is seeking to bolster its presence in the municipality. The party's decision adds to the increasingly crowded contest for the leadership of one of South Africa's largest metropolitan municipalities.
The ATM's mayoral strategy is part of its broader effort to improve basic service delivery in eThekwini. The party has identified water supply as a major challenge facing communities across the metro, with persistent disruptions being a significant concern. Addressing these issues will be central to the ATM's election campaign. By focusing on service delivery, the party aims to resonate with voters and gain traction in the municipality.
The ATM is not the only party to announce its mayoral candidate for eThekwini. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has nominated former MP Haniff Hoosen, while ActionSA has put forward its KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Zwakele Mncwango. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has selected founding member Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has nominated its national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
The African National Congress (ANC) has taken a different approach, presenting a five-person shortlist for the mayoral position. The list includes incumbent eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba, council speaker Thabani Nyawose, former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former MP Mina Soma-Lesoma, and ANC veteran Maggie Govender. The ANC's final candidate will be selected from this shortlist.
The MK Party has also undergone a shake-up in its campaign, with former president Jacob Zuma removing Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi as its mayoral candidate. Hlophe-Mkhwanazi was replaced by Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi, the MK Party's national chairperson and a former ATM member of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature. The change came amid allegations of manipulation in the party's councillor candidate lists.
Despite the changes in the mayoral landscape, the growing field of candidates sets the stage for a closely contested battle for control of eThekwini. Voters will head to the polls on November 4 to elect their local government representatives. The ATM's unique approach to selecting its mayoral candidate is seen as a strategic move to gain traction in the municipality.
The eThekwini mayoral election is expected to be a highly contested and closely watched event. With multiple parties and candidates vying for the top position, voters will have a range of options to choose from. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the municipality and its residents.
Key points
- The ATM has shortlisted four candidates for the eThekwini mayoral position.
- The party aims to address pressing issues such as political killings and poor service delivery.
- The eThekwini mayoral election is set to be a closely contested battle among multiple parties and candidates.
