Jacob Zuma’s 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 municipal elections.
The goal is to increase its power in key regions like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. MK Party KZN Chairman Willies Mchunu stated the plan is to unite “non-collaborationist” forces around a shared platform focused on addressing economic inequality.
This move coincides with significant internal trouble for the ANC. In the Free State, seven ANC mayors were recently dismissed from their municipalities due to poor governance and corruption allegations, an effort to rebuild public trust before the 2026 polls.
Meanwhile, ANC leadership faces its own challenges. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula publicly dismissed speculation that billionaire Patrice Motsepe could run for party president, questioning even his ANC membership status.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is also dealing with a legal challenge from magistrates demanding a 34% salary increase, highlighting tensions between fiscal constraints and public sector demands.
The MK Party’s coalition-building strategy positions it to capitalize on the ANC’s current internal strife and governance challenges, setting the stage for a highly contested 2026 election.