Several former members of the African National Congress (ANC) who had joined the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have returned to the ANC’s eThekwini regional structures, in a development that highlights shifting political loyalties in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
The former members were formally welcomed back during a gathering held in KwaNdengezi, where they reconnected with ANC supporters and local party structures. The event was led by Thabani Nyawose, the ANC’s regional convenor in eThekwini, who represented the party’s regional leadership during the ceremony.
Their return comes as political activity intensifies across KwaZulu-Natal, with political parties working to strengthen their grassroots organisations and maintain contact with communities ahead of the elections. Both the ANC and MKP have been seeking to expand their influence in the province, making eThekwini an important area of political mobilisation.
The returning members had previously left the ANC and became associated with the MKP. Their decision to rejoin the ANC provides the party with an opportunity to rebuild relationships with former members and reconnect with individuals who had previously been active within its structures.
The KwaNdengezi gathering also demonstrated the continued role of local political organisations in mobilising supporters. As election campaigns gain momentum, parties are increasingly relying on ward-level structures, community meetings and local organisers to engage voters, recruit members and strengthen their presence on the ground.
For the ANC, the return of former members forms part of broader efforts to rebuild and consolidate its regional structures in eThekwini. The municipality remains a significant political centre in KwaZulu-Natal, where competition between established parties and newer political formations has intensified.
With the November 4 elections approaching, political parties are expected to increase their grassroots engagement as they seek to secure support across communities. The return of former MKP members to the ANC adds another dimension to the changing political landscape in eThekwini, as parties work to strengthen their organisations and reconnect with supporters ahead of the polls.