DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — In a significant shake-up to the provincial political landscape, former eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede has officially joined the MK Party, receiving a high-profile welcome from party president Jacob Zuma. Appointed as the KwaZulu-Natal Deputy Convenor, Gumede’s defection marks a strategic boost for the uMkhonto weSizwe organization as it aggressively targets the November 4, 2026, local government elections.
The announcement was the centerpiece of a comprehensive media briefing in Durban, where Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo and Second Deputy President Tony Yeni outlined the party’s roadmap to taking over municipalities across South Africa. Nomvalo confirmed the successful conclusion of the party’s ward counselor nominations, praising members for a transparent and democratic process.
Gumede brings a complex and prominent political history to her new role. She served as the ANC regional chairperson in eThekwini starting in 2015 and was elected city mayor in 2016. Her tenure was interrupted in 2019 when she was arrested on corruption charges linked to a multi-million-rand Durban solid waste tender, forcing her to step aside from official duties. Despite her ongoing trial, she was re-elected as regional chairperson in absentia in 2022. Welcoming her to the fold, Nomvalo praised her “unquestionable credentials” and ideological alignment, stating she has always advocated for the economic transfer to the black majority and the restoration of dignity for the marginalized.
Alongside Gumede, the party introduced a roster of new recruits. Nomvalo highlighted massive membership growth on the party’s portal, specifically noting surges in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, and announced a nationwide rollout of party merchandise, including t-shirts and gazebos, scheduled for the following week.
Mourning Fallen Heroes and Demanding Accountability
The briefing took a solemn turn as the leadership honored MK Party members who fell victim to political violence. Nomvalo read the names of fallen comrades. The party also mourned Jane Tombeni, noting her family’s historical support for the anti-apartheid struggle. Nomvalo confirmed the party has engaged police authorities to ensure the killers of these comrades are brought to justice.
On the topic of state accountability, the MK Party commended Member of Parliament Tulani Shongwe for his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. Nomvalo urged the commission to thoroughly investigate alleged corruption and abuse of power within the South African Police Service (SAPS). He expressed deep suspicion regarding individuals who conveniently fall “ill” and become unavailable just before they are due to testify. Furthermore, the party reiterated its demand for the immediate dismissal of Minister Senzo Mchunu, arguing that decisive action is necessary to restore public trust in governance.
Legal Battles, Media Disputes, and Financial Denials
Addressing recent media scrutiny, the MK Party vehemently denied rumors regarding financial instability and the closure of regional offices, labeling such reports as deliberate misinformation. Nomvalo specifically attacked a recent article published by the Sunday World and authored by Bongani Mdakane. Dismissing Mdakane as a “propagandist” rather than a journalist, Nomvalo stated the party is pursuing legal action against both the publication and the writer for running a baseless anti-MK campaign.
The leadership also condemned the Legal Practice Council’s ongoing application to strike a specific advocate from the roll, framing the move as an unfair attempt to undermine an individual who is actively defending herself through due legal processes.
Immigration Marches and National Security
Reflecting on the nationwide marches held on June 30, the party praised South Africans for peacefully demanding accountability and stricter immigration management. However, Nomvalo strongly condemned threats of violence directed at march leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, warning that intimidation has no place in a constitutional democracy. He also cautioned against any attempts by political parties or state organs to infiltrate or hijack the independent, citizen-led movement.
Citing government statistics, the party noted that 53,449 undocumented foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since June 12, a figure they say underscores the urgent need for stronger border enforcement.
Defending the India Trip
The briefing concluded by addressing intense media speculation surrounding Jacob Zuma’s recent trip to India, which went viral after photographs surfaced showing the former president visiting a temple with AJ Gupta, a member of the controversial Gupta family.
Defending the party president, Nomvalo clarified that the trip was strictly personal and religious in nature. “The fact that he is a former head of state or the president of the MK Party does not preclude him from having a right of movement,” Nomvalo explained, adding that the party had no involvement in the trip’s arrangements and that Zuma’s private meetings are his own prerogative.
Closing the event, President Jacob Zuma expressed immense optimism about the party’s trajectory. Declaring that the MK Party is fundamentally changing the political landscape of Africa, Zuma stated that the organization remains the ultimate voice for the voiceless and predicted a radically transformed South Africa within the next two years.