The by-elections set to take place today in uMzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, promise a fierce showdown between the African National Congress (ANC) and the MK party. This election follows the expulsion of former speaker Sbonelo Maphumulo from the ANC in December 2023. Maphumulo, alongside several former ANC councillors, has since joined the MK party.
Maphumulo’s expulsion came after a disciplinary process, leading him to align himself with the MK party, along with other ex-ANC members.
Internal divisions and conflicts within the ANC resulted in the party’s removal from the municipality, opening doors for the MK party to establish a presence in the area. The defections have boosted the MK party’s prospects, as many former ANC councillors now compete for positions under their new political affiliation.
The by-elections are viewed as a significant challenge for both parties, with the ANC striving to reclaim lost territory and the MK party working towards solidifying its advancements. The competition is anticipated to be fierce, with both factions mounting vigorous campaigns to sway the sentiments of the uMzumbe community.
The results of the by-elections will carry substantial consequences for the region’s political landscape,spurring both parties to exert maximum effort in their pursuit of triumph.
Photographer: Henk Kruger – Independent Media
