Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor Siyabonga Goodenough Doncabe has formally resigned from the Umzumbe Local Municipality to join the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, setting the stage for a by-election that could shift the political balance in the KwaZulu-Natal coastal municipality.
Doncabe tendered his resignation this week, bringing an end to his tenure as one of the IFP’s representatives in the council. His departure marks yet another high-profile defection to the MK Party, which continues to reshape political dynamics across the province.
In his resignation letter, Doncabe expressed gratitude to the IFP for the opportunity to serve but said he believed it was time to align himself with “a new movement that resonates with the aspirations of the people.” He stated that the MK Party represented “a political home capable of defending the interests of communities long neglected by those entrusted with power.”
The IFP confirmed his resignation and described it as disappointing but not unexpected. Party officials said defections were part of the current political climate and emphasised that the organisation remained strong and committed to service delivery in Umzumbe and beyond.
The by-election that will follow is expected to be hotly contested. The Umzumbe Municipality, located on the lower South Coast, is governed through fragile political arrangements, and a single seat could influence local decision-making and coalition prospects.
The MK Party welcomed Doncabe’s arrival, saying he would strengthen the movement’s footprint at local government level. “Councillor Doncabe’s decision reflects growing confidence in the MK Party’s mission to rebuild communities and restore dignity,” the party said in a statement. It added that it intended to contest the upcoming by-election vigorously to secure a foothold in municipalities where it previously had limited representation.
Political analysts say Doncabe’s move underscores the MK Party’s accelerating influence in KwaZulu-Natal. They note that defections from established parties such as the IFP and ANC have become more frequent as the 2026 local government elections approach. The upcoming by-election will therefore serve as an early test of the MK Party’s appeal in rural municipalities.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) is expected to announce a date for the by-election once all administrative processes are completed. In the meantime, political parties have already begun strategising to retain or capture the ward.
Residents of the affected ward say they hope the contest will bring renewed focus on service delivery challenges, including road maintenance, water supply, and youth unemployment.
As political temperatures rise, Umzumbe is preparing for a crucial vote that could signal shifting loyalties in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most politically competitive regions.
