CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE — As the Local Government Elections approach this November, former President Jacob Zuma is spearheading a massive mobilization drive in the Western Cape, where the MK Party has set an aggressive goal to unseat the Democratic Alliance.
Speaking to a crowded gathering in Delft, Zuma framed the upcoming municipal polls as a critical battle for territorial and economic restitution. He heavily criticized the nation’s foundational legal system, questioning the continued reliance on Roman-Dutch law and asking supporters, “Are we Roman? Are we Dutch?” The former president urged the masses to turn out in large numbers, declaring that the party’s ultimate mission is to “take our country” and reclaim the land.
The ambitious rhetoric stands in stark contrast to the party’s performance during the 2024 general elections, where the MK Party secured a mere 11,263 votes—just 0.58% of the provincial tally—and failed to win a single seat in the provincial legislature. However, MKP Member of Parliament Adil Nchabeleng insists the political landscape has since shifted. Outlining the party’s strategy, Nchabeleng stated they are not just looking to compete, but to completely remove the DA from power, secure a two-thirds majority, and take control of the Cape Metro, with the City of Cape Town serving as their anchor base.
A significant hurdle for the party is the demographic makeup of the province. Research indicates that 98.5% of the combined MK, ANC, and EFF vote in 2024 came from black voters, with ethnic minorities accounting for just 1.5%. In a region where the Coloured community forms the majority, Nchabeleng countered that the MK Party has successfully diversified its base. He claimed that 50% of the party’s current Western Cape membership is Coloured, with leadership proportionally representing Coloured, Indian, and African demographics. He further emphasized the inclusion of Muslim, Christian, San, and Khoi communities, noting that the MK already has two ward councillors actively serving in the region.
The interview also delved into the nearly two-decade-old corruption charges stemming from the 1999 arms deal that continue to follow Zuma. When questioned about asking voters to trust a party led by a man facing criminal prosecution, Nchabeleng dismissed the legal battles as unproven attempts to tarnish a highly accomplished leader. He praised Zuma’s presidential tenure, highlighting significant infrastructure developments, including the construction of schools, roads, hospitals, two universities, and ports, alongside boosted export products. Furthermore, Nchabeleng positioned the MK Party as the moral compass of the current parliament, citing their relentless push for the impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa, motions of no confidence, support for the ATM, and the push to recognize traditional and tribal authorities.
Finally, the conversation touched upon the party’s internal stability, noting that the MK Party has cycled through eight secretary-generals since its inception in December 2023. Nchabeleng clarified that this high turnover was strictly a national phenomenon, insisting that regional leadership in Cape Town has remained entirely stable. He explained that previous national secretaries-general simply stepped down to return to their primary official duties, and that current Secretary-General Nonvalo is now providing steady guidance. Concluding the interview, Nchabeleng stressed that the party’s operations are funded entirely by grassroots support, proudly noting there has been no reliance on external or “white money” donations.