The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has issued a warning to its members not to engage in public spats over who should be deployed to municipalities gained during the recent municipal elections. In a letter dated 09 November, acting secretary general Lindiwe Mtshali-Makubu expressed appreciation to members for their dedication and hard work throughout the election campaign. The party garnered several council seats in provinces, with KwaZulu-Natal being a significant stronghold.
The letter instructs party members to remain calm and disciplined, refraining from speculation and unnecessary public commentary that may undermine organisational unity and cohesion. Mtshali-Makubu reminded members that deployment of cadres to positions of responsibility falls within the prerogative of the president, in accordance with established processes. The party leader and former president Jacob Zuma was reportedly sought by some provinces for intervention in the deployment process.
The MK party's warning is attributed to jostling and control of Proportional Representation (PR) council seats in various provinces. Mtshali-Makubu stated that given the limited number of seats secured by the party, deployment will be carefully managed. The party prioritises entrusting responsibility to those with necessary competencies, commitment, and capacity to serve effectively.
The MK party, formed in 2023, contested its first municipal elections and achieved significant results in KwaZulu-Natal. The party emerged as the biggest in several councils, winning some with an outright majority, including Impendle and Richmond municipalities. The party recorded a 34% provincial vote share in KwaZulu-Natal.
During its maiden elections in 2024, the MK party secured a substantial provincial vote share, with just over 45% of the total KZN vote. Nationally, the party secured 14.58% of the vote, giving it 58 seats in the national assembly. However, the party's vote share decreased during the recent elections, gaining 9.77% of the national vote.
Mtshali-Makubu emphasised that public office is a responsibility, not an entitlement or personal reward. The party seeks to ensure that deployments are carefully considered, with a focus on the well-being of the organisation and the communities it serves. Members are encouraged to respect the leadership structures and allow them to attend to the deployment process.
The MK party's recent performance in the municipal elections marks a significant milestone in its development. As the party continues to grow and establish itself, it faces challenges in managing its internal dynamics and ensuring that its members work together effectively. The party's leadership will need to balance the interests of its members with the needs of the communities it serves.
Key points
- MK party warns members against public spats over municipal deployments
- Party prioritises deployments based on competency, commitment, and capacity
- MK party achieved significant results in KwaZulu-Natal during recent municipal elections
