The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has confirmed it will announce its slate of mayoral candidates for South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities within the next fortnight.
Speaking at a media briefing in Woodmead, Johannesburg, Party Secretary General Sibonelo Nomvalo shared key decisions emerging from the party’s National Officials Meeting, which convened from June 1 to June 3.
Nomvalo indicated that the leadership is finalizing preparations for the upcoming local government elections and will shortly disclose the individuals tasked with leading the party’s campaigns in major urban centers. The eight metros include Mangaung, Buffalo City, the City of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay, and the City of Johannesburg, among others.
Strengthening Provincial Campaign Structures
The party also revealed plans to bolster its electoral infrastructure in two key provinces. Provincial election task teams are now being established in Mpumalanga and the North West, with Second Deputy President Tony Yengeni appointed to head the Mpumalanga contingent.
“Following careful deliberation and analysis of the enormous task of preparing a demanding elections program across the country, the national officials decided to strengthen the provincial elections task teams in Mpumalanga and North West provinces,” the briefing stated. The party intends to deploy senior national figures with substantial political leadership experience to these regions to drive campaign efforts and support strong electoral outcomes nationwide.
Clarification on March and March Engagement
Addressing recent political developments, Nomvalo clarified the party’s position regarding the March and March movement. While acknowledging that discussions have taken place with the initiative, he emphasized that no formal endorsement or alignment has occurred.
“The voices of the people must be heard and we acknowledge the role such initiatives play in bringing these issues to the center of our national discourse,” Nomvalo said. “At the same time, we must make it clear that the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has neither formally aligned itself with nor endorsed March and March.”
Policy Workshop Scheduled for Next Month
Looking ahead, the party confirmed it will convene its inaugural national policy workshop in the eastern part of Johannesburg next month. The gathering aims to refine the party’s strategy for the local government elections and facilitate substantive debate on priority national challenges, including economic growth, job creation, and other urgent socioeconomic concerns affecting communities across South Africa.