The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has released a list of 67 parties and numerous candidates vying for seats in the Thekwini Municipality. Notable parties such as the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have thrown their hats into the ring. Former politicians, including those who have served in parliament and provincial legislatures, are also contesting the election.
Among the candidates are several individuals who have been nominated by their parties to contest the mayoral position. The ANC has nominated its current mayor, Cyril Xaba, while the DA has nominated Haniff Hoosen, a member of parliament. The IFP has nominated Mkhuleko Hlengwa, while the EFF has nominated Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi. Other parties, such as the ActionSA and NPA, have also nominated candidates for the top position.
Some candidates have been nominated to contest multiple wards, with some parties fielding candidates in as many as 61 wards. Amanda Zuma of the Bumbana Mzansi party is one such candidate, while Nokulunga Dlamini of the African Mantungwa Community has been nominated in all wards. Other parties, such as the All Natives of SA, Al Jama-ah, and Afro Natives, have also fielded candidates in multiple wards.
The Thekwini Municipality has a significant budget of R73.3 billion, which is likely to attract many parties. According to Zakhele Ndlovu, a political analyst at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, many parties are eager to get a slice of this budget. Ndlovu believes that the main battle for control of the municipality will be between the MKP, DA, IFP, and ANC.
Ndlovu notes that while the MKP is a strong contender, it is unlikely to win a majority of seats. He believes that the party may end up relying on other parties to form a coalition. The analyst also notes that smaller parties, such as the NFP and ActionSA, may play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election.
The election is seen as crucial, with many parties vying for control of the municipality. The outcome could have significant implications for the province and the country as a whole. According to Ndlovu, it is possible that a smaller party could end up holding the balance of power in the municipality.
The IEC has confirmed that it is ready for the election, which is expected to take place on October 2026. The commission has urged voters to come out in their numbers to exercise their democratic right. The election outcome will determine the leadership of the Thekwini Municipality for the next five years.
Key points
- 67 parties are contesting the Thekwini Municipality election.
- Several candidates have been nominated to contest multiple wards.
- The election outcome could have significant implications for the province and the country.
