MK Party poses a big threat to the ANC’s support in KZN
The stronghold the ANC has had on KZN has been threatened by growing support for smaller parties like the EFF and the MK Party.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is shaping up to be a key battleground for the upcoming elections, with a recent poll by the Social Research Foundation suggesting ANC support in the province may halve as a result of growing support for the MK Party.
Several parties, including the ANC, EFF, and IFP, have held manifesto launches in KZN, highlighting its importance.
ANC’S GRIP ON KZN THREATENED BY EMERGENCE OF UMKHONTO WESIZWE PARTY
According to Pretoria News KZN has been a stronghold for the IFP, but the ANC has governed since 1994. Now, analysts suggest the emergence of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party may challenge ANC control in the province.
Former president Jacob Zuma, who is from the province and enjoys massive support in KZN, is the face of the MK party.
December 2023, former president Jacob Zuma vouched to campaign for the MK party.
Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, said the establishment of the party posed a threat to the ANC.
“I have heard people saying that the MK party does not pose a threat to anyone. The DA, for example, will say that it’s assisting them by reducing the support of the ANC … and the ANC saying that it is not threatened … that, in my view, amounts to being naïve.” said Mngomezulu.
“The reality of the matter is, when Zuma assumed leadership of the ANC, you saw a significant increase in the membership of the ANC and support of the ANC,” reported the Pretoria News
Mngomezulu also mentioned during a recent prime time TV show, he emphasized that the ANC and other parties should pay attention to the new party especially in KZN.
MK PARTY TOWARDS THE ELECTION
Last December, Zuma announced support for the new party. Although he remains in the ANC and hasn’t been expelled, he’s now leading its campaign for the upcoming election.
The MK party national list is made up of both long-term Zuma associates and a number of political newcomers, as well as the leaders of a number of small parties, church or other groups who had backed the former president.