By Zukile Majova
- MK beat the DA and its ally, the IFP, in their stronghold despite not contesting the last local elections.
- The party’s rapid rise in KwaZulu-Natal continues as it takes wards from the ANC in key by-elections.
MK’s surprise win in Sunningdale is its first seat in a metro council and a big boost to the party’s plans to grow in KwaZulu-Natal.
The ward sits in the heart of DA territory. This time, the DA had help from its ally, the IFP, which didn’t run a candidate to avoid splitting votes. But the plan failed.
MK beat them both, along with the ANC and the EFF.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party only began contesting by-elections this year. Already, it has won in KwaDukuza, eThekwini, Richmond and even as far as Saldanha Bay.
MK made a major splash in the May 2024 elections, where it took over 45% of the vote in KwaZulu-Natal.
In recent by-elections, MK has been eating into ANC support. The ANC got just 15% in eThekwini and 22% in Randfontein, Gauteng, where the DA held onto its seat in Ward 6.
Support for the EFF is sliding fast. It got only 3% in Randfontein and a dismal 1% in eThekwini. The party hasn’t won a single ward in a year.
The EFF has drawn global attention with its “Kill the Boer” chant — a struggle song from the ANC’s past — but that hasn’t stopped its decline. Even famous figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk weighing in haven’t helped.
Meanwhile, MK’s rise is being linked to former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu. He joined MK and was praised by Zuma as a strong strategist. Shivambu is now helping the party build its provincial structures.
MK has already taken 15% of the national vote and isn’t part of the government of national unity. Its base of support is ANC strongholds where infighting has weakened the ruling party.
ANC councillors have been defecting to MK in places like Richmond and Stanger, leading to by-elections, which MK has gone on to win.
Pictured above: MK party secretary Floyd Shivambu leads MK party surge.
Image source: MK party
