A flash mob of MK party supporters gathered in Durban's CBD on Wednesday, singing ANC exile-era struggle songs and dancing down Diakonia Avenue in apparent celebration of their party's expected success. The scene was one of excitement and anticipation, with supporters waving flags and ululating to drum up support for their party. The atmosphere was electric, with voters waiting patiently in snaking queues outside voting stations set up at the Durban Music Centre and YMCA Park.
The mood was not limited to MK supporters, as a group of ANC supporters also gathered in the area, waving the party's flag and singing to show their support. The ANC and MK parties have historically had a complex relationship, with MK being a new party formed in 2023 by former president Jacob Zuma. The two parties are now competing for votes in the eThekwini metro, with the ANC seeking to maintain its hold on the area.
Voters in the area expressed their determination to make a difference in the election, with many citing concerns about crime, grime, and xenophobic civil unrest in the volatile economic hub. Pearl Mbatha, a 34-year-old resident of Durban's CBD, said she had joined the voting queue at 6am and was determined to vote despite delays. She emphasized the importance of her vote, saying it would make a huge difference in the city's future.
MK supporter Ongeziwe Sithole, 32, was already celebrating the party's expected success, saying it was ready to rule the metro. He expressed his confidence in the party's ability to bring about change, saying that the current ruling party had failed to deliver on its promises. Sithole's sentiments were echoed by many MK supporters in the area, who were optimistic about their party's chances.
The DA's eThekwini mayoral candidate, Haniff Hoosen, was confident that the Blue Brigade would win the election, citing conversations with voters during the campaign. He expressed concern about the potential for violence if the MK party rejected the election results, urging them to act responsibly. Hoosen framed the contest as a choice between an MK government and a DA government, emphasizing the need for peaceful and respectful politics.
An eNCA MarkData poll put MK ahead in eThekwini at 48%, followed by the DA at 25.2% and the ANC at 14.5%. However, Hoosen dismissed the poll, saying that voters would ultimately decide who governed the city. He emphasized the importance of peaceful elections and urged voters to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal.
The police had identified 124 high-risk voting stations in eThekwini and 165 across KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the need for a secure and peaceful election process. Despite these concerns, voters in the area remained enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of their city. The election outcome would ultimately depend on the voters' decisions, with many hoping for a peaceful and prosperous future for eThekwini.
Key points
- MK supporters celebrate early in Durban's CBD as voting stations open.
- DA's Haniff Hoosen confident of winning eThekwini mayoral election.
- Police identify high-risk voting stations in eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal.
