The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has taken a distinctive approach to selecting its mayoral candidate for eThekwini, shortlisting four individuals for the position. This move comes as the party aims to address the pressing issue of political killings in the metro. With only one seat in the eThekwini council and representation in a few other municipalities, the ATM is focusing on improving basic service delivery, particularly in areas such as water supply, which has been a significant challenge for communities across eThekwini.
The ATM's decision to shortlist multiple candidates is seen as a strategic move to spread its leadership options and potentially counter the trend of political killings. The party unveiled its candidates for municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape over the weekend. By presenting multiple candidates, the ATM aims to make it more difficult for any one individual to be targeted. The party's campaign will prioritize addressing persistent disruptions in water supply and other basic services.
The ATM is not the only party to have put forward a mayoral candidate for eThekwini. Several parties have already announced their candidates, including the DA, which has nominated former MP Haniff Hoosen. ActionSA has put forward its KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Zwakele Mncwango, while the EFF has selected founding member Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi. The IFP has nominated its national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa to lead its campaign for the metro.
The ANC has taken a different approach, presenting a five-person shortlist from which its final candidate will be selected. The list includes incumbent eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba, council speaker Thabani Nyawose, former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former MP Mina Soma-Lesoma, and ANC veteran Maggie Govender. This approach allows the ANC to consider multiple options and potentially choose a candidate who can effectively lead the metro.
The MK Party's campaign has undergone a shake-up after former president Jacob Zuma removed Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi as its mayoral candidate. Hlophe-Mkhwanazi was replaced by Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi, the MK Party's national chairperson and a former ATM member of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature. The change came as the MK Party launched an investigation into allegations that its councillor candidate lists had been manipulated.
Despite the changes in the MK Party's campaign, Hlophe-Mkhwanazi remains number one on the party's IEC-certified proportional representation list. The growing field of mayoral hopefuls sets the stage for a closely contested battle for political control of eThekwini. Voters will head to the polls on November 4 to elect their local government representatives.
The ATM's unique approach to selecting its mayoral candidate is just one aspect of the party's strategy to gain support in eThekwini. With a focus on improving basic service delivery and addressing the challenges facing communities, the ATM aims to make a positive impact in the metro. The party's campaign will likely be closely watched as the November 4 local government elections approach.
Key points
- The ATM has shortlisted four candidates for the eThekwini mayoral position.
- The party's campaign will prioritize improving basic service delivery, particularly in areas such as water supply.
- The growing field of mayoral hopefuls sets the stage for a closely contested battle for political control of eThekwini.
