The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has announced its intention to form alliances with the African Transformation Movement (ATM) and other smaller parties ahead of the 2026 local government elections in KwaZulu-Natal.
The party’s KZN Chairperson, Willies Mchunu, stated the goal is to unseat the current provincial leadership and build a united front of what he called “non-collaborationist” forces. He described the partnership with ATM as a catalyst for forming more alliances.
As part of its campaign, the MK Party is planning a protest march on Friday to highlight what it says are the failures of the current KZN government. Mchunu directly linked the march to the party’s broader goal of taking power in the province.
The MK Party gained significant support in the 2024 national elections but has since faced internal challenges, including leadership tensions and criticism that it lacks a clear policy platform. Critics argue it has yet to transition from a protest movement into a viable governing force.
Mchunu remained confident, emphasizing that the party is focused on mobilizing grassroots support and preparing for both the 2026 and 2029 elections. He stated that the support of the people is central to the party’s strategy.
The move signals a more volatile political landscape in KZN, where coalition-building and anti-establishment rhetoric could reshape the province’s power dynamics.