A former KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC has raised alarm over alleged plans by former President Jacob Zuma’s MK party to destabilize the province, warning that a hung provincial government could trigger an early election.
The unnamed ex-MEC said political manoeuvres by Zuma-aligned factions threaten to undermine governance in KwaZulu-Natal, potentially paralyzing decision-making and service delivery. “If the province ends up without a clear majority, the government will have no choice but to consider an early election to restore stability,” the former MEC told reporters.
KwaZulu-Natal, a key political battleground, has seen heightened factionalism within the African National Congress (ANC) in recent years, with different groups vying for influence ahead of the 2029 national elections. Analysts suggest that Zuma’s MK party, leveraging its historical and political influence, could play a disruptive role in provincial politics.
Political commentator Dr. Zanele Mthethwa said, “KwaZulu-Natal has always been a hotspot for internal ANC contestation. If factions intentionally weaken provincial structures, it could result in a governance vacuum, prompting an early electoral intervention.”
The ex-MEC’s warning comes amid ongoing debates over political alliances, coalition building, and the potential impact of factional strategies on service delivery and public confidence. Stakeholders have called for vigilance and robust democratic processes to prevent any deliberate attempts to destabilize provincial governance.
Provincial authorities have not commented on the claims, but the warnings underscore growing concerns over political instability in KwaZulu-Natal and the potential implications for broader national politics. Observers say the coming months will be critical in determining whether these tensions escalate or if a path toward stability can be secured.
