Opposition political parties in KwaZulu-Natal have been vocal in their criticism of the current political climate, which is characterised by intense territorial disputes and growing safety concerns. Zwakele Mncwango, the provincial chairwoman of ActionSA, has joined the chorus denouncing the increasing violence. Mncwango, commenting on the tense confrontation between cultural activist Ngizwe Mchunu and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Inanda, said that the red berets had no legitimate reason to prevent Mchunu from holding her heritage celebration as planned.
Mncwango stressed that the venues, the JL Dube Stadium for the EFF’s provincial local government election manifesto launch and the Dube Village Sports Field for Mchunu’s cultural gathering, are more than far enough apart to keep people from getting too close and disrupting the peace. Mncwango contended that within a large urban settlement, different political and cultural formations should be able to peacefully exercise their constitutional rights without resorting to intimidation or factional warfare, citing fundamental principles of democratic coexistence.
With the townships of eThekwini experiencing a worsening security situation and the local government elections in November 2026 rapidly approaching, the action of ActionSA exemplifies the mounting anger among larger political players. A single political entity’s efforts to designate entire neighbourhoods or municipal wards as exclusive “no-go areas” undermine democratic tolerance and put a needless strain on local law enforcement authorities, Mncwango warned. Instead of letting political rivalry undermine community safety and cause localised civil unrest, he pleaded with all organisational leadership structures to govern with moderation, reign in aggressive supporters, and for competing events to unfold under the supervision of the law.
