The MK Party has secured victories in three KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, including Richmond, Endumeni, and eMadlangeni, where results are still pending confirmation. This development comes as the province's election results continue to be tabulated. According to the party, it has won Richmond Municipality and emerged as the leading party in Endumeni. The Electoral Commission of South Africa confirmed that voting had been completed at all polling stations across the province.
In Richmond Municipality, the MK Party secured a decisive victory, obtaining 59.06% of the vote and 10 seats. The ANC, which previously led the municipality, came second with 31.64%, securing five seats. This win marks a significant shift in the municipality's leadership, with the MK Party taking control from the ANC. The results reflect a substantial margin of victory for the MK Party in Richmond.
In Endumeni Municipality, the MK Party emerged as the leading party with 33.69% of the vote, securing five council seats. The IFP, which previously led the municipality, came second with 25.44% and four seats, followed by the DA with 16.34% and two seats. The ANC and VF Plus each secured one seat, with 5.53% and 5.44% of the vote respectively. These results indicate a highly competitive election in Endumeni.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa earlier confirmed that political parties had an overview of the results while the commission is still capturing and auditing the results. By 1pm, the IEC had confirmed that voting had been completed at all polling stations across the province, with officials continuing to capture and audit the results. This process ensures the accuracy and integrity of the election results.
MK Party provincial spokesperson Mkhuseli Mlengane welcomed the results, thanking voters for their support and pledging that their confidence in the party would not be misplaced. He expressed gratitude to the people of KwaZulu-Natal for their support. Mlengane assured them that the party would work to address the challenges facing the municipalities they are set to take over.
Mlengane acknowledged the challenges facing municipalities, including ageing infrastructure and financial difficulties. He pointed to eNdumeni's specific challenges, such as its failure to pass a budget. Despite these challenges, Mlengane expressed confidence that the party could address them and improve service delivery. The party aims to leverage its experience to drive positive change in these municipalities.
The MK Party's victories in these municipalities reflect a significant development in the province's electoral landscape. With results still pending in eMadlangeni, the party's overall performance in KwaZulu-Natal remains a key focus. The party's ability to address the challenges facing these municipalities will be closely watched in the coming months.
Key points
- MK Party wins Richmond Municipality with 59.06% of the vote.
- MK Party emerges as leading party in Endumeni Municipality with 33.69% of the vote.
- Party faces challenges in municipalities, including ageing infrastructure and financial difficulties.
