MK Party Faces Internal Turmoil Ahead of eThekwini Elections
Leadership Shake‑Up
The MK Party recently replaced its eThekwini mayoral candidate just twelve days after announcing her. Party president Jacob Zuma removed Zandile Hlophe‑Mkhwanazi and named national chairperson Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi as the new candidate. At the same time, Hlophe‑Mkhwanazi and Sibonelo Maphumulo were taken off the National Party Liaison Committee while an investigation looks into alleged tampering with councillor lists.
Why the Changes Matter
These moves come less than two months before the November 4 local government elections. Analysts say the sudden swaps signal internal conflict that could weaken the party’s campaign effort.
Impact on the Campaign
Goodenough Mashego, an independent political analyst, notes that when a party is divided, members are less likely to go out and campaign vigorously. He explains that a cohesive leadership is needed to turn support into votes.
Although the MK Party still enjoys strong backing in many townships, the infighting may reduce its ability to translate that support into a decisive win.
Poll Numbers and ANC Reaction
A recent Ipsos poll placed the MK Party at 55 % support among registered voters who expressed a party preference in eThekwini, far ahead of the DA (17 %) and the ANC (10 %). The ANC has dismissed the poll, saying it will focus on its own campaign and trusts the voters, not surveys, to decide the outcome.
What This Means for Victory
Mashego believes the MK Party could still win a large number of seats, but securing an outright majority—and thus the mayoral post—now looks less certain. If no single party gains enough seats to govern alone, coalitions will be needed. In that scenario, the MK Party could emerge as the biggest party without holding the mayoral seat, depending on alliance talks with parties like the IFP.
Conclusion
The MK Party’s ambitions to dominate eThekwini are being tested by internal disputes and leadership changes. While the party still holds considerable popularity, the upcoming election will show whether it can overcome its challenges and turn voter support into actual governance.
