By Thabo Mosia
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is gearing up for a monumental celebration of its first anniversary on 15 December 2024, with a grand rally at Durban’s iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The event, headlined by party leader and former president Jacob Zuma, marks a significant milestone for a political movement that has rapidly risen to prominence since its launch in December 2023. This celebration is set against the backdrop of the party’s ambitious drive to challenge KwaZulu-Natal’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) and assert its claim to lead the province.
A Political Party on the Rise
The MKP, which emerged as the third-largest party in South Africa in the 2024 general elections, secured 58 seats in the National Assembly and 37 out of 80 seats in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature. Despite winning 45% of the provincial vote, the MKP found itself in opposition as the coalition GPU—comprised of the IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP—claimed governance with a combined 41 seats.
Speaking at a press conference in Durban, MKP Head of Presidency Magasela Mzobe stated, “The people of KwaZulu-Natal made their choice, and their choice is MK Party. It would be irresponsible of the MK Party leadership not to fight to defend the votes and the democratic decision made by the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Mzobe described the upcoming rally as more than just a celebration. “This rally, among other things, will be used to agitate and mobilise the people of KwaZulu-Natal to start a very extensive programme of unity among progressive forces to reject the IFP/DA-led government.”
Challenging the Current Governance
KwaZulu-Natal’s Government of Provincial Unity was formed after no single party achieved an outright majority in the May general elections. The GPU includes the ANC, IFP, DA, and NFP, with the MKP remaining the largest political force in the province. Despite this, the GPU’s combined seats enabled the coalition to maintain power, sidelining the MKP.
Mzobe reiterated the party’s intention to work with the ANC and NFP to dismantle the coalition. “The numbers are there—it’s 45%, and we will use that 45% to remove the IFP-DA government with the help of the ANC and the National Freedom Party,” he said.
Building Momentum Through Strategic Engagements
As part of its build-up to the anniversary rally, the MKP has planned a series of events across South Africa. The first public meeting will take place on 30 November in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, with Jacob Zuma addressing supporters. This will be followed by gatherings in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal on 1 December. Notably, these meetings will feature key party figures, including Deputy Leader Dr John Hlophe and National Chairperson Nathi Nhleko, both of whom joined the MKP after leaving the ANC.
The anniversary celebrations will culminate in a gala dinner at Durban’s Olive Convention Centre on 16 December. Zuma is expected to deliver a keynote speech, solidifying the party’s commitment to its supporters and its vision for South Africa’s future.
Expanding National Influence
Floyd Shivambu, the party’s Secretary-General, highlighted the MKP’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across municipalities and regions. “We are saying that KwaZulu-Natal is liberated, and now we are going to liberate all parts of South Africa,” Shivambu declared.
This expansion is bolstered by the opening of the party’s headquarters in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, and new regional offices in Durban. These developments signify the MKP’s resolve to establish itself as a dominant force in South African politics, not just in KwaZulu-Natal but across the nation.
Celebrating Success in eThekwini
The choice of Durban for the rally is symbolic. The city, particularly the eThekwini region, was a stronghold for the MKP during the elections, delivering over 600,000 votes. Shivambu noted, “eThekwini is the home of uMkhonto weSizwe and deserves to host this all-important first anniversary of the MKP.”
The MKP dominated 80 of the 111 contested wards in the eThekwini region, outpacing the second-most supported party by a significant margin. This strong support underscores the party’s claim that it is the rightful leader of KwaZulu-Natal.
Opposition to the Government of Provincial Unity
The MKP’s leaders have been vocal critics of the GPU, describing it as a coalition that undermines the democratic will of the people. Shivambu characterised the arrangement as an alliance between a “former liberation movement” (the ANC) and a party representing “the descendants of colonialism and apartheid” (the DA). The inclusion of smaller parties like the IFP and Patriotic Alliance has further complicated governance in the province.
Mzobe and Shivambu both emphasised that the MKP’s mission is to dismantle this coalition and implement policies that reflect the majority’s choice.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
The MKP is not only focused on provincial governance but also on the upcoming 2026 local government elections. The party aims to extend its influence to municipalities across South Africa, leveraging its current momentum to achieve a formidable presence in local politics.
Mzobe stated, “The new budget comes on the first of April, and MK Party, by that time, should be presiding over the government of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Zuma’s Role and Legacy
Jacob Zuma’s involvement with the MKP has been a focal point of the party’s appeal. As a former president and leader of the ANC, Zuma’s alignment with the MKP has attracted significant attention. His presence at the December rally is expected to galvanise supporters and reinforce the party’s vision for change.
Shivambu described Zuma as a central figure in the MKP’s journey, stating, “Zuma’s leadership brings credibility and inspiration to our movement.”
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