As the deadline looms for political parties to submit candidate lists to the Electoral Commission of South Africa, the most telling evidence of internal friction within the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has been laid bare by its own dispute resolution committee.
The National Dispute Resolution Committee acknowledged that its work has been hampered by incomplete dispute mechanisms across several provincial structures. The party has also yet to announce its mayoral candidates for key metros.
In a statement issued by committee chairperson Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi, the committee stated that it had been inundated with appeals and representations, but could only adjudicate these once all provincial processes were finalized. It urged branches and provincial bodies to expedite review processes to ensure candidate nominations align with the party's constitution and guidelines. The committee went as far as suggesting that provinces reconduct the candidate selection process where necessary to guarantee compliance.
“We urge all members, branches and provincial structures to co-operate with the extended processes to ensure that only legitimate and properly nominated candidates represent the uMkhonto weSizwe Party in the upcoming Local Government Elections. Now more than ever, we call upon you to remain united. Do not allow internal disagreements to divide us or to discourage you from exercising your democratic right.”
While observers have suggested the infighting could impact the party's campaign, a political analyst noted that such list disputes are a common feature ahead of elections and are unlikely to undermine party leader Jacob Zuma's underlying support base.
Although disputes have been reported across all provinces, KwaZulu-Natal’s eThekwini region appears to be the most affected. Among the disgruntled members is a group of former uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) members operating under the banner ‘Do or Die’. They have demanded direct intervention from Zuma, warning that they will withhold their votes or back rival parties if their grievances are ignored.
However, political analyst Professor Musa Xulu noted that list disputes are driven primarily by individuals and small supporter groups rather than the core membership.
“Nomination list disputes are not a new phenomenon in politics and have rarely impacted the affected parties significantly because the grievances are raised by individuals and small groups of supporters, not the primary membership base,” Xulu said. “In African politics, voters largely follow personalities rather than party policies. In the eyes of MKP supporters, Zuma’s leadership remains the central anchor, meaning people will vote for the party regardless of internal list disputes.”
Addressing the regional pushback, KwaZulu-Natal provincial MKP convener Willies Mchunu said the leadership was aware of the ‘Do or Die’ group, but noted that they had not engaged party leadership directly prior to raising their concerns on social media.
“We have resolved many disputes that were brought through formal channels; however, if the group wishes to meet with President Zuma, that option remains open,” Mchunu said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a leader within the veteran grouping claimed they had initially been tasked with vetting councillor candidates, only to discover that a parallel structure was conducting the same process. He accused Mchunu’s provincial leadership of sidelining their committee and undermining their oversight work.
willem.phungula@nationalmg.co.za