MK Party and ATM unite ahead of 2026 elections
The MK Party and ATM have called on all progressive formations and individuals to join efforts to unify all progressive forces.
The UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) have allied to prepare for the 2026 local government elections.
The two parties are also part of the progressive caucus in Parliament alongside the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), United African Transformation (UAT) among others.
MK PARTY AND ATM UNITE AHEAD OF LOCAL ELECTIONS
In a joint statement, the two parties said their representatives met in Durban on Wednesday, 5 March, and discussed their shared values, principles and objectives.
“The MK Party and the ATM principally agree that the struggle for total emancipation of the colonised and oppressed people of South Africa is incomplete and needs a unified response and common action,” the parties said.
The Jacob Zuma-led MK Party and Vuyo Zungula-led ATM have unanimously agreed to work together on all political, community and parliamentary programmes and activities.
“The meeting mandated the secretary-generals of both parties to convene a smaller 3-a-side bilateral engagement, which will work on the modalities of working together in all upcoming by-elections towards the 2026 local government elections, as well as the 2029 general elections.
“The modalities of the MK Party and the ATM working together will be presented to the leadership and membership of both organisations within the spirit of building unity amongst all the progressive forces in South Africa,” they said in the joint statement.
The two parties also called on all progressive political formations and individuals in South Africa to support and associate with the “revolutionary and long overdue” efforts to unify all the progressive forces.
ACTIONSA FORMS PACT WITH F4SD
In January, ActionSA also joined forces with political organisation Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD).
Explaining the reason behind forming the pact, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said the time has come for opposition parties to come together and build a growing alternative that will be increasingly supported by South Africans who feel let down by a failed political establishment.
Mashaba said this follows within the political context of 70% of the seats in parliament now forming part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the formation of the self-titled ‘progressive caucus.’
Additionally, the Senate of ActionSA has amended the party’s interim constitution to establish the position of a Deputy President, which F4SD leader Mbahare Kekana will fill.
Mashaba said the Forum 4 Service Delivery brings with it an important capability that will greatly aid ActionSA’s efforts because it is an entity built on grass-roots engagement with communities. It has proven effective at this, including in rural communities, despite having very few resources.