By Charles Molele
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has set its sights on taking control of eThekwini Metro in the 2026 local government elections.
The party outlined its plans during a media briefing on Wednesday, ahead of its first-anniversary rally on December 15 at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, KwaZulu-Natal.
MK General Secretary Floyd Shivambu said December 16 holds deep historical importance in South African politics, from colonial conquest and Reconciliation Day to the launch of uMkhonto weSizwe in 1961 and now our party in 2023.
“We have a revolutionary obligation to commemorate this day,” said Shivambu.
Deputy Secretary-General Nombuso Mkhize expressed confidence in the MKP’s prospects in eThekwini.
“We received 600 000 votes in May, which indicates to us, taking that into consideration, we’re going to fight for and win the metro. The work that is done by the ground forces, under the leadership of Willies Mchunu, we’re going to make strides in KwaZulu-Natal, more specially eThekwini,” she said.
“This rally is going to appeal to more people, not only in KwaZulu-Natal, but throughout South Africa.”
Shivambu underscored the MKP’s electoral strength, noting that the party ranked first in 11 KwaZulu-Natal wards, including eThekwini, Zululand, and Harry Gwala, during the last election.
The focus now, he added, is to consolidate these power bases.
The rally on December 15 will serve as the culmination of the MKP’s first-anniversary activities, with a public meeting kicking off in Ekurhuleni on November 30.
“We invite the people of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng to join us. This launch will be addressed by our Commander General, President Jacob Zuma,” Shivambu announced.
Moses Mabhida Stadium was chosen for the main event due to MKP’s strong voter base in the region.
“eThekwini is the home of uMkhonto weSizwe and deserves to host this historic occasion,” said Shivambu.
If resources allow, the party plans to transport supporters from other provinces to the rally.
However, Shivambu acknowledged the potential logistical challenges.
“If we expand beyond KwaZulu-Natal, Moses Mabhida may be too small,” he noted.
The MKP’s first year has been marked by rapid growth, and the December rally aims to solidify its position as a formidable political force in South Africa.
INSIDE METROS