The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in KwaZulu-Natal is in a celebratory mood after registering their second by-election victory in the province on Wednesday.
The party won Ward 2 in Richmond Local Municipality, south of Pietermaritzburg. The ward was left vacant after the resignation of the ANC ward councillor, who returned to his job in Pretoria.
The MKP won three electoral districts, leaving the ANC and other parties trailing by a significant margin.
In a statement issued by the party provincial convener, Willies Mchunu, he congratulated the structures for working tirelessly to secure the victory, saying the win is a significant step towards the 2026 goal.
The former premier, who dumped the ANC and joined MKP last year, singled out the Moses Mabhida regional working team and Richmond subregional leadership for the victory, saying they deserve special recognition for their unity and hard work.
“Congratulations to the commanders who secured a big win in Richmond. As the MK Party celebrates this victory, they must also support their councillors in translating this win into organisational support throughout Richmond, well done MK Party,” said Mchunu.
He then marshalled the party structures to shift focus to snatching Ward 4 and Ward 28 in Mooi Mpofana and KwaDukuza Local Municipalities in the upcoming by-elections.
This is the second by-election win for the MKP after winning its first in the Umzumbe Local Municipality last year. The party did well in Moses Mabhida in last year’s general elections, particularly in Richmond, where it won all seven wards.
However, the MKP’s win will not affect the power balance for now, as the ANC governs the municipality alone. In the 14-seat council, the ANC has 10, while the MKP, IFP, EFF, and the DA hold one each.