By Celani Sikhakhane
- Zuma’s MK party won 45% of KZN votes just six months after forming, forcing the ANC to close offices.
- Their rise to power is similar to that of the NFP in 2011.
South Africa ‘s new political kid on the block is giving established political parties a serious run for their money barely a year since it was conceived.
Jacob Zuma’s new Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK) has matched a record set by the NFP in 2011.
Just like the NFP under the late Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi changed KZN’s political landscape by beating the IFP in most municipalities, the six-month-old MKP has now shaken the ANC’s grip on power.
Zuma announced he was joining the MK on 16 December 2023, saying he wouldn’t vote for the ANC. Many ANC members followed him.
Despite court battles over who founded the party, MK won 45% of the vote in KZN in the 29 May elections. Though they couldn’t form a government alone, they caused huge damage to the ANC.
The ruling party had to close offices across KZN and cut staff at regional and provincial offices. The ANC kept only three out of 11 cabinet posts in the province.
The ANC’s seats in the KZN legislature dropped from 41 to just 14. They also lost about 70 seats in the National Assembly.
Though MK didn’t win outright, they achieved what other parties couldn’t – weakening the ANC’s power in KZN.
The party also gained ground in Gauteng, where they now lead a unity government.
MK will celebrate its first birthday at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, with thousands expected to attend.
MK secretary-general Floyd Shivambu says they plan to build headquarters in Durban and Gauteng. He adds they’re talking to parties about forming a new provincial government.
“All the political parties at the KZN Legislature are willing to work with the MKP except the DA. For now, we won’t divulge any details because this may jeopardize the negotiations,” said Shivambu.
Pictured above: MK leader Jacob Zuma.
Source: X
