MK Party Vows to Take Full Control of eThekwini, Promises Reckoning for Failed Leaders

The MK Party has set its sights on an outright majority in eThekwini Municipality after the November 4 local government elections, declaring that it would govern more effectively without coalition partners. The party insists it is confident of securing full control of the city, which it calls a key economic hub that has been mismanaged for too long.

MK Party First Deputy President Duduzane Zuma laid out the party's vision in an interview with the Daily News, covering everything from service delivery failures to a promise of retrospective accountability for those who have failed the city's residents. The interview also touched on internal party dynamics, accusations of dynastic politics, and the party's ambitions beyond the upcoming polls.

Why the MK Party wants to govern eThekwini alone

Zuma was unambiguous about the party's goal.

We are aiming for an outright majority because we believe it would be best if we governed alone. We learned from the 2024 national and provincial elections. However, should that not happen, we will be open to sitting at the table and engaging in possible coalition talks.

He argued that eThekwini is central to the party's long-term strategy. Winning the municipality and governing it competently, he said, would give the public a chance to assess the MK Party's performance and build confidence in its ability to govern nationally after the 2029 national elections.

The city, Zuma argued, cannot be allowed to continue on its current trajectory. He described eThekwini as performing below its potential, plagued by poor governance and weak service delivery. He pointed to the deterioration of city buildings and infrastructure, which he said had contributed to water and electricity outages affecting residents and businesses alike.

Promises of retrospective action against failed officials

Zuma said an MK Party-led administration would ensure there are consequences for governance failures, including those committed by people who previously served in the city's administration.

We will look retrospectively at what has been done and what has not been done. We will look at who should have done what and what was not done. We will consider the responses and take action against those who should have done their work but did not,

he said, adding:

Some people may call this a witch-hunt, but we will take action retrospectively.

This pledge will likely resonate with residents who have grown frustrated with years of declining municipal services, crumbling infrastructure, and a city administration that has often appeared unaccountable to the people it serves.

Addressing internal instability and leadership changes

Asked about the revolving door in the party's leadership, where senior figures have been appointed and quickly removed, Zuma rejected suggestions that this signals instability.

As a new party, we want to inculcate a culture of accountability. As you could have seen, there have been senior people, even those leading government institutions, who have not been performing, but they are still there. We do not want people who are comfortable and just going along for the ride,

he said.

On the manipulation of candidate lists, particularly in eThekwini, which has led to protests by party members, Zuma said the matter was being addressed. He added that the party had come under pressure from internal and external forces seeking to destabilise it.

What political analysts say about the MK Party's chances

Political analysts are divided on whether the MK Party can achieve its goal of an outright majority.

Thabani Khumalo said the party has the potential to secure a majority based on its performance in the last elections,

but I believe that they will get the most votes but not the majority, largely because of the problem they have created for themselves.

He agreed with Zuma that a win would give the party a platform to showcase its ability to govern.

Dr Siyabonga Ntombea said it was possible for the MK Party to secure a majority, but that this was far from certain.

On the one hand, an Ipsos poll gives the MK Party about a 55% chance of winning an outright majority. On the other hand, internal instability has left several individuals disgruntled and unhappy with certain decisions,

he said.

What is at stake for eThekwini residents?

For the people of eThekwini, the stakes are high. The city has suffered from years of infrastructure decay, unreliable water and electricity supply, and a housing crisis that has left many buildings hijacked and abandoned. The MK Party is positioning itself as the force that will clean up the mess, but whether it can deliver on its promises remains to be seen.

The party's message is clear: eThekwini cannot continue as it is, and the MK Party is ready to take charge. Whether voters agree will be decided at the polls on November 4.