Duduzane Zuma, Deputy President of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), has laid out a blueprint for governing eThekwini, one of South Africa's most challenged metros, ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. During a roundtable with Independent Online editors in Durban, Zuma presented a clear vision for the party's approach to governance, highlighting the need for discipline and accountability within the party and government.
Zuma emphasized that MKP will not tolerate non-performance, stating that councillors and deployees will be required to sign performance agreements with clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Those who fail to meet these targets will be removed from their positions, with Zuma stressing that "you're not here for a free ride. You're not here to freeload. You're here to perform." This approach is seen as a direct challenge to the ANC's culture of deployment and redeployment.
Zuma's vision for MKP is centered on accountability, with a focus on addressing the city's pressing issues, including safety and security, water and electricity, and urban rejuvenation. He highlighted the need for massive public-private partnerships to revamp or demolish dilapidated CBD buildings and address the mushrooming of slums, estimated to be close to 60. Zuma's approach is characterized as a shift away from populist promises, instead focusing on creating opportunities for growth and development.
When questioned about criticism that MKP is a family business, a Zuma dynasty rather than a democratic party, Duduzane Zuma did not flinch. He explained that loyalty to his father, former President Jacob Zuma, is not a conflict of interest but a qualification. Zuma also addressed the party's decision not to hold an elective conference, stating that it is a deliberate choice to prevent the system from being captured before the party stabilizes.
On the topic of coalitions, Zuma stated that MKP is aiming for an outright majority in eThekwini but is open to discussions with parties that share the goal of fighting poverty and unemployment. He also expressed the party's determination to run KwaZulu-Natal, where MKP won the most votes in 2024 but was shut out of government. Zuma was unequivocal about the party's long-term goals, stating that MKP will be sitting at the "mountaintop" by 2029, with a presidency within reach.
Zuma outlined four priorities for eThekwini: safety and security, water and electricity, retrospective accountability, and re-industrialization and urban rejuvenation. He emphasized the need to address the city's infrastructure issues, including the delivery of water and electricity, and to bring back manufacturing and textile industries to the area. Zuma also stressed the importance of accountability, stating that those who have covered up information and stolen from the city's future must be brought to book.
As the MKP continues to position itself as a party of accountability, Zuma's plans for eThekwini have been met with interest and skepticism. While some have welcomed the party's focus on discipline and performance, others have raised concerns about the party's approach to governance and its potential impact on the city's residents. Key points include:
Key points
- MKP will prioritize discipline and accountability within the party and government.
- The party aims to address pressing issues in eThekwini, including safety and security, water and electricity, and urban rejuvenation.
- Zuma has emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to drive growth and development in the city.
