Discontented members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) convened in significant numbers at King Dinizulu Park in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday to strategize their next steps following serious allegations of manipulation concerning the candidate nomination lists.
This assembly comes in the wake of a tumultuous week for the party, as they approach the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
Many supporters expressed their disappointment upon discovering that candidates selected by local communities had been quietly removed from the lists submitted to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) before the 28 August deadline, replaced instead with unauthorized names.
Despite the outcry, those gathered at the park affirmed their continued trust in the party, largely thanks to the prompt actions taken by party president Jacob Zuma.
In light of the escalating crisis, Zuma initiated a forensic investigation into the candidate selection process.
He subsequently implemented significant disciplinary measures, including the immediate disbandment of the Presidential Task Team and the removal of Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi, the party’s candidate for mayor in eThekwini Municipality, from the National Party Liaison Committee (NPLC).
Hlophe-Mkhwanazi has been succeeded as the mayoral candidate by Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi, and Sibonelo Maphumulo has been dismissed from the NPLC due to his alleged involvement in the manipulation of the candidate lists.
Event organizers at King Dinizulu Park stressed that their gathering was not intended to oppose the party’s decisions but rather to unite in support of the leadership’s efforts to rectify the situation.
Ndabezitha Biyela, an MKP member at the event, remarked that members are encouraged by Zuma’s decisive actions to quickly address the concerns raised.
Biyela emphasized that internal conflicts would not hinder the party’s election campaign and assured that anyone accountable for the manipulation will face serious repercussions.
Sifiso Mahlangu, the MKP national spokesperson, previously denounced the situation, labeling the allegations as “serious and deeply concerning.”
The party has issued clear warnings that it will not tolerate any manipulation, political gatekeeping, or misuse of organizational processes within its ranks, vowing to protect the interests of both its voters and candidates.
