The MKP’s Plan for eThekwini
Building New Election Teams
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) regional leadership has created special election teams to run its campaign in eThekwini Municipality. Normally, a party’s existing secretariat handles this work, but the MKP decided to set up fresh groups so nothing overlaps with the old leadership.
Why They Dissolved Old Structures
To keep the new teams free from interference, the party disbanded all structures that were in place when it was founded in 2023. Zanele Makhanya, the regional elections coordinator, explained that this clean slate lets the election teams work smoothly and focus entirely on winning votes.
Aiming for a Two‑Thirds Majority
Makhanya said the MKP’s goal is to secure a two‑thirds majority in the upcoming local government elections. She stressed that no other party has taken this exact approach, so the MKP had to invent its own strategy. With the new teams in place, she feels confident the party can win the metro with an overwhelming mandate.
The Secret ANC Infiltration Tactic
One unusual part of the plan involves quietly influencing ANC members who work for the municipality. The MKP advises these supporters to stay publicly aligned with the ANC until after the election, protecting their jobs. Once the vote is over, they can openly switch to the MKP. Makhanya noted that many ANC comrades have already agreed to this quiet shift, especially after seeing others who publicly backed the MKP face job losses or other repercussions.
ANC’s Counter‑Move
At an ANC Women’s League prayer session, regional convener Thabani Nyawose promised not to hand over eThekwini to the MKP easily. His top priority is to keep all 74 wards the ANC won in 2021. He also plans to rebuild the party’s women’s, youth, and veterans leagues and prepare the region for the next conference.
What It Means for the City Budget
eThekwini manages a budget of about R74 billion, spread across 112 wards and 16 zones. With 224 seats on the council, a party needs at least 113 seats to govern alone. Both the MKP and the ANC are positioning themselves to claim that majority, making the upcoming election a high‑stakes battle for control of the city’s finances and services.
Bottom Line – Who Might Win?
The MKP’s fresh election teams and discreet ANC outreach give it a novel edge, while the ANC’s focus on defending its existing wards and revitalizing its internal structures shows a determined resistance. Teen voters in eThekwini will watch closely as both sides try to convince them that their vision is the best for the city’s future.
Conclusion
The upcoming local government election in eThekwini is shaping up to be a clash of new tactics versus traditional loyalty. The MKP’s decision to build dedicated election teams, dissolve old structures, and quietly recruit ANC members could shake up the usual political landscape. At the same time, the ANC’s pledge to hold onto its 74 wards and rebuild its leagues shows it won’t step aside without a fight. Whichever side succeeds will shape how the R74 billion budget is spent and what services residents receive for years to come.
