The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has made significant inroads in KwaZulu-Natal, taking the lead in four municipalities previously governed by the African National Congress (ANC). With 90% of the votes counted and independently verified across the province, the MK party has secured outright majorities in Richmond Local Municipality, Impendle, uMshwathi, and Johannes Phumani Phungula Local Municipality. This marks a significant shift in the province's political landscape.
In Richmond Local Municipality, a longtime ANC stronghold, the MK party secured an outright majority of 56%, a surprise to many given the ANC's 70% win in the 2021 local government elections. Impendle, which has struggled with financial difficulties and been under provincial administration, is another municipality where the MK party has taken the lead. uMshwathi, governed by the ANC since 2006, has seen the MK party strip the ANC of its majority, securing 47% of the vote. Johannes Phumani Phungula Local Municipality has also shifted, with the MK party receiving 48.1% of the vote.
Although the MK party has emerged as the largest party in these municipalities, it will need the support of other political parties to govern in areas where it has fallen short of an outright majority. The party has secured a total of 431 council seats across the province, a significant showing in its first local government election. The ANC's loss of support in these municipalities marks a significant shift in the province's politics.
The MK party's performance is notable given its strong showing in the 2024 national and provincial elections, where it secured about 45% of the provincial vote. The party's provincial leader, Willies Mchunu, has stated that the party wants to be in government and will engage in coalition talks with other parties to achieve this goal. The IFP has secured an outright majority in one municipality, Mthonjaneni, and is leading in 13 others.
The 2024 provincial elections saw the MK party emerge as the largest party in KwaZulu-Natal, winning 37 out of 80 seats in the provincial legislature. However, disputes over the election results delayed coalition talks, ultimately leading to the formation of a coalition government without the MK party. Mchunu has expressed concerns that history may repeat itself, but has also stated that the party will engage in talks with other parties.
Coalition talks are likely to determine whether the MK party will have the opportunity to govern in the municipalities where it has taken the lead. The numbers remain provisional, and objections may still be lodged before the official results are announced. The MK party's governance at the municipal level will be closely watched, particularly given the party's internal instability.
The MK party's rise in KwaZulu-Natal has significant implications for the province's politics and governance. As the party prepares to take on governance responsibilities, it will face challenges in delivering on its promises to voters. The ANC's loss of support in these municipalities marks a significant shift in the province's politics, and the MK party's performance will be closely watched in the coming months.
Key points
- The MK party has taken the lead in four KwaZulu-Natal municipalities previously governed by the ANC.
- The party has secured a total of 431 council seats across the province.
- Coalition talks will determine whether the MK party will have the opportunity to govern in municipalities where it has fallen short of an outright majority.
