The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party is currently leading in polls within South Africa’s eThekwini municipality as local elections approach on November 4. This development follows their performance in the 2024 provincial elections, where MK received 45% of the vote, though they did not form part of the government. In the 2021 elections, the African National Congress (ANC) secured 42% of the vote in eThekwini. The upcoming local elections in eThekwini are anticipated to be a significant contest, with various political parties vying for control of the strategically important metropolitan area. The outcome will determine the leadership responsible for municipal governance, service delivery, and economic development in one of South Africa's largest cities.
Polls Show MK Dominance
An Ipsos poll indicates strong support for the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party in eThekwini, registering 55% backing among respondents. This substantial lead places MK significantly ahead of other contenders in the municipality. The Democratic Alliance (DA) secured 17% in the same Ipsos survey, positioning it as the second-largest party in this particular poll. The African National Congress (ANC), historically a dominant force in South African politics, drew 10% of the support according to the Ipsos findings. Smaller parties also registered support, reflecting the diverse political landscape of the region. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) received 6%, ActionSA 4%, and the EFF 3% in the Ipsos poll, indicating a fragmented but competitive electoral environment.
A separate survey conducted in August by the Social Research Foundation showed different figures, providing an alternative perspective on voter sentiment. In that poll, the MK party was recorded at 33%, still leading but with a smaller margin compared to the Ipsos results. The Democratic Alliance (DA) recorded 23% support in the Social Research Foundation's survey, positioning it as the second-highest party and demonstrating a stronger showing than in the Ipsos poll. The African National Congress (ANC) followed with 18% in the Social Research Foundation's findings, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) registered 16%. These varying poll results highlight the dynamic nature of voter sentiment in the lead-up to the local elections and suggest that the race remains fluid. The differences between the two surveys could be attributed to various factors, including methodology, sample size, and the timing of the data collection, all of which influence the snapshot of public opinion.
Candidate Platforms Emerge
The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party's candidate for mayor is 35-year-old Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi. Ms. Hlophe-Mkhwanazi brings a unique background to the political arena; she is a co-founder and CEO of the non-profit organization GirlCode, an initiative focused on empowering women in technology. Her academic credentials further show her profile, as she holds an honours bachelor's degree in computational and applied mathematics, suggesting a data-driven approach to governance.
Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate Haniff Hoosen has pledged to address corruption in tenders, a persistent issue in municipal governance. He also aims to enhance the transparency of authorities' operations, promising greater accountability to the public. Mr. Hoosen plans to recruit technical specialists to repair water pipelines, a critical infrastructure concern for residents. A key economic objective for his campaign is to recover billions in unpaid debts for the municipality, which could significantly improve the city's financial health. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) candidate, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, is scheduled to unveil the party's manifesto on September 20, providing more specific details on their vision for eThekwini.
ActionSA representative Zwakele Mncwango has proposed a platform focused on restoring basic services and infrastructure, which are often central concerns for local electorates. His plan includes bringing the provision of key municipal services back under the city's direct structure, aiming for greater efficiency and control. He also prioritizes reducing water losses, a significant challenge for many South African municipalities, and creating jobs to stimulate local economic growth. EFF candidate Hlengiwe Mkhali has committed to combating corruption, a common theme across various party platforms, and improving municipal infrastructure and access to housing. Additionally, Ms. Mkhali aims to support industrialization within the municipality, seeking to boost local production and employment opportunities.
The African National Congress (ANC) has nominated five potential candidates for the mayoral position, indicating a strong internal selection process. These candidates are Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Maggie Govender, Thabani Nyawose, Mxolisi Lesoma, and Cyril Xaba. The final selection of the ANC's mayoral candidate will likely be a strategic decision aimed at maximizing their electoral prospects in the upcoming local elections.
eThekwini's Significance
EThekwini municipality holds significant economic weight within South Africa, making the upcoming local elections particularly consequential. The metro's annual budget stands at 70 billion rand, a figure that is surpassed only by the budgets of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Ekurhuleni. This substantial financial allocation shows the city's role as a major economic hub and its capacity to fund extensive public services and infrastructure projects. The considerable budget notes the potential impact of local governance on a wide array of municipal operations, from urban development to service delivery, sanitation, and public safety. The outcome of the upcoming local elections will determine the administration responsible for managing these significant financial resources and directing the municipality's future economic trajectory, influencing the lives of millions of residents and the broader regional economy. The leadership chosen will face the critical task of balancing fiscal responsibility with the pressing needs for development and service provision across the diverse communities within eThekwini.
