MK Party faces internal feuds and electoral battles in South Africa

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is facing internal instability and intense electoral competition ahead of South Africa’s local government elections on November 4.

In the Free State province, a leadership feud has emerged between provincial chairperson Mafa Msimang and provincial secretary Sandile Mabiza. The dispute, which reportedly involves disagreements over administration, authority, and finances, has caused a rift within the party’s provincial structures. During recorded confrontations, Mabiza accused Msimang of attempting to intimidate him and sidelining him from party operations.

Simultaneously, the MK Party is targeting the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, expressing confidence that it can seize control from the African National Congress (ANC). Party spokesperson Mkhuseli Mlingani stated that political momentum favors the MK Party, predicting a takeover of the metro. The MK Party has also accused the ANC of using political “gimmicks” to undermine their support by presenting individuals as former MK members who are unknown to the party’s actual structures.