The political battle for control of eThekwini Municipality has taken an interesting turn after the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party reportedly began preparing for coalition discussions with the African National Congress (ANC) following the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The latest developments have placed Durban at the centre of South Africa’s unfolding coalition negotiations, with the MK Party exploring the possibility of working with its former political rival to establish the next municipal government.
According to a report by IOL published on Sunday, 8 November 2026, several MK Party insiders have confirmed that the party’s newly established National Negotiation Team is preparing to engage ANC representatives in the coming days.
The discussions are expected to explore whether the two political formations can reach an agreement that would allow them to govern eThekwini together.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has confirmed the final election results, showing that the MK Party emerged as the biggest political formation in eThekwini with 38.29% of the vote. However, the party fell short of the 50% threshold required to govern the municipality independently.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) secured 25.45%, while the ANC received 16.43%. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and other smaller parties also have a potential role to play in determining the municipality’s political future.
The figures mean that coalition negotiations will be crucial in deciding who eventually takes control of the country’s second-largest economic centre.
An MK Party insider reportedly indicated that the organisation was willing to put political differences aside and work with the ANC, arguing that cooperation between parties sharing similar political interests could provide a way forward.
The party is also determined to avoid another situation in which it emerges as a major electoral force but fails to secure a position in government.
However, the proposed arrangement is not without complications. There are differing opinions within both political organisations about whether such a coalition would be beneficial.
ANC leaders in KwaZulu-Natal are also expected to play an important role in determining the party’s negotiating position.
Meanwhile, the MK Party has established a national negotiation team led by senior party figures, including advocate Dali Mpofu and Duduzane Zuma. The team will oversee discussions, with the party making it clear that no coalition agreement can be finalised without approval from its national leadership.
The negotiations could have significant consequences for the political landscape in KwaZulu-Natal.
For now, the biggest question is whether Jacob Zuma’s party and the ANC can overcome their political differences and reach an agreement that gives them control of eThekwini.
The outcome could determine who governs Durban and how the municipality is managed over the coming years.