MK Party Deputy President Duduzane Zuma has stated that the party is targeting an outright majority in eThekwini, with plans to take action against hijacked buildings and informal settlements if it takes control of the metro after the November 4 local government elections. Zuma told IOL that the party is pushing for a 50%-plus-one majority in eThekwini, but acknowledged that coalition talks could be necessary if it falls short. The party's priorities include addressing poverty, safety and security, water and electricity, re-industrialisation, and urban rejuvenation.
Zuma addressed the DA's description of the ANC, EFF, and MKP as a "coalition of doom", stating that MKP is prepared to engage with other parties if they are committed to addressing poverty. He outlined plans for eThekwini, including public-private partnerships to revive the Durban CBD, deal with dilapidated buildings, and reclaim land occupied by informal settlements. The metro has close to 600 informal settlements, and Zuma criticised the state of basic services in the city, saying "we are delivering water in buckets in 2026. We are living in a madhouse".
Zuma also stated that the MK Party has not abandoned its ambition of eventually playing a leading role in the KwaZulu-Natal government. The party won the largest share of the provincial vote in KZN in the 2024 national and provincial elections but was left out of the provincial government after the ANC, DA, and IFP formed an administration. Zuma said the party has a strong team in the legislature and is working towards a position where it can run the province and influence decisions in the provincial government.
With 30 days to go until the local government elections, Zuma acknowledged that the outcome remains uncertain, with political discussions already taking place ahead of the vote. He reaffirmed MKP's provincial ambitions, saying "we are definitely still very gung-ho on getting to run this province". Zuma also addressed criticism that MKP's leadership structure amounts to a political dynasty because he serves as deputy president under his father, party president Jacob Zuma.
Zuma dismissed the political criticism surrounding their relationship, saying "people can speak about dynasties and nepotism. It is what it is. Whether you like it or not, it's going to be there. I'm here. He's there. I'm his deputy. That's how we move". He stated that his family responsibilities exist separately from his political role and that he wants to participate directly in politics rather than remain outside the political process.
Zuma said MKP currently has no plans to hold an elective conference to determine its leadership, as the party is still building its structures and does not want its internal leadership process exposed to outside financial and political influence. He said the decision had been taken by party president Jacob Zuma, and as it stands, there will be no elective conference.
Looking towards 2029, Zuma said MKP expects to occupy a much stronger political position by the national election. "In 2029, besides personalities as an organisation, we believe we will be sitting at the mountaintop, that's for sure", he said, adding that Jacob Zuma will remain at the forefront of the party.
Key points
- MK Party Deputy President Duduzane Zuma addresses coalition talks and dynasty claims.
- The party aims to win an outright majority in eThekwini.
- Zuma reaffirms MKP's ambition to play a leading role in the KwaZulu-Natal government.
