The MKP has made significant gains in KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, winning wards from the ANC and IFP in various areas. According to the Independent Electoral Commission of SA (IEC), the MKP has taken control of several municipalities, including those considered economic hubs of the province, such as eThekwini and Msunduzi. The party's performance has been impressive, with notable wins in areas like Richmond, uMshwathi, Impendle, and Mkhambathini.
In eThekwini, the MKP has made significant inroads, winning several wards and coming close to taking control of the municipality. The ANC has managed to hold on to a few wards, including one in KwaXimba. However, the MKP's performance has been strong in other areas, including uMgungundlovu, where the party has made significant gains. The MKP's success has been attributed to its strong campaign and the support of its leader, Jacob Zuma.
The MKP's gains have not been limited to areas previously controlled by the ANC. The party has also made inroads into municipalities controlled by the IFP, including Ndumeni, where it has taken control of several wards. The MKP's performance has been impressive in areas like uMhlathuze and Newcastle, which are considered economic hubs of the province.
The ANC has acknowledged the MKP's gains, with spokesperson Sifiso Sonjica expressing gratitude to those who voted for the party. Sonjica also commended the behavior of ANC members during the election period, but expressed concern over incidents of intimidation and violence reported during the elections. The ANC has called on the IEC and security agencies to take decisive action against those who attempted to intimidate voters.
The IFP is expected to perform well in municipalities it previously controlled, particularly in the Zululand and King Cetshwayo districts. The DA, on the other hand, is leading in the Mngeni municipality, which is the only municipality it previously controlled in the province. The IEC is expected to announce the final results of the elections soon.
MKP spokesperson Mkhuseli Mlengane has expressed satisfaction with the party's performance, saying they had expected to do well in certain areas. Mlengane has confirmed that the party will be nominating Mxolisi Phakathi as the mayor of eThekwini, while the national leadership will decide on the mayors of other municipalities.
The MKP's gains have been celebrated by its supporters, who have taken to social media to express their excitement and share images of party leader Jacob Zuma. The party's success has been seen as a significant upset, with many analysts predicting a strong showing for the ANC. However, the final results of the elections remain to be announced, and it is unclear what the implications of the MKP's gains will be for the province.
Key points
- The MKP has made significant gains in KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, winning wards from the ANC and IFP.
- The party's performance has been strong in areas like eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, and Msunduzi.
- The ANC has acknowledged the MKP's gains and has called on the IEC and security agencies to take action against those who attempted to intimidate voters.
