JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has officially unveiled its mayoral candidates for major metropolitan areas ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, signaling a major push to expand its municipal footprint. In a recent public briefing, MK Party Second Deputy President Tony Yengeni outlined the party’s comprehensive campaign strategy, emphasizing immediate service delivery, zero tolerance for corruption, and strategic voter mobilization in key provinces.
The party confirmed it successfully met the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Friday 5:00 p.m. deadline for submitting both ward and proportional representation (PR) candidate lists nationwide. While the MK Party aims to contest every ward in South Africa, Yengeni acknowledged that approximately 300 voting districts—predominantly in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape—will not see MK campaigning due to the party’s current lack of an established footprint in those specific areas.
Instead, the party is concentrating its resources on strategic provinces. The Eastern Cape has been identified as a major priority due to its large voter base and historical political dynamics. To bolster support, MK Party President Jacob Zuma recently spent a week crisscrossing the province, including Lusikisiki and Pondoland, to engage directly with traditional leaders, kings, and queens. Similar outreach efforts have been directed toward Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal, building on the party’s strong performance in recent national elections.
Addressing the party’s vision for municipal governance, Yengeni stressed that the black majority must unite to assume political power and uplift their own living standards. He emphasized a model of grassroots accountability, urging voters to actively summon and oversee their elected councilors rather than passively waiting for top-down delivery.
On the critical issue of service delivery, MK candidates have been instructed to “hit the road running” with immediate, visible changes. Priorities include launching instant cleanup campaigns, ensuring weekly refuse collection, and guaranteeing consistent water and electricity supply. Yengeni explicitly stated that the party opposes disconnecting water and electricity for non-payment. Instead, the party plans to improve municipal revenue collection systems and is calling on the national government to develop creative revenue streams beyond traditional taxpayer reliance.
Corruption remains a central pillar of the party’s platform. Yengeni declared a strict, zero-tolerance approach, stating that any official found to be lazy or corrupt will be dealt with immediately, without delay. He cited the MK Party’s rigorous track record in parliamentary committees on corruption and crime as proof of their commitment to holding public officials accountable.
The briefing also addressed recent high-profile leadership restructuring within the party. Dr. John Hlophe was removed as first deputy president and replaced by Duduzane Zuma. Additionally, Nkosinathi Nhleko was replaced as national chairperson by Reverend Mxolisi Phakathi, while Lindiwe Mtshali was named deputy secretary general, and Tony Yengeni was confirmed as second deputy president.
Responding to concerns about organizational stability and allegations of a “Zuma family dynasty,” Yengeni defended the restructuring. He clarified that while President Jacob Zuma holds the final authority and power of decree as per the party constitution, leadership changes are not made on a whim. He asserted that all decisions follow internal consultations, democratic processes, and strategic discussions aimed at consolidating the party’s direction and unity.
The newly announced mayoral candidates include Bongani Baloyi for Johannesburg, who brings recognized municipal experience, though he has previously stated he will not enter into coalitions with the Democratic Alliance (DA). Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi were named as the candidates for eThekwini, and Thulani Shongwe was selected for Ekurhuleni. The party has yet to disclose its mayoral candidates for Cape Town and Tshwane, which were not included among the six metro nominees unveiled.
The MK Party is scheduled to formally release its “People’s Mandate” and comprehensive 2026 Local Government Election manifesto imminently, which will detail the concrete programs and policy frameworks the party intends to implement should it secure municipal governance.
