28-04-2025
Another high-stakes by-election in KZN
A FIERCE political showdown is expected in KwaZulu-Natal tomorrow as rival political parties gear-up to contest the Ward 18 of Mandeni, northern KZN, by-election.
The contest will see the ANC, uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), IFP, and the EFF, battling for control of the ward that was previously governed by the ANC.
The MKP, buoyed by its recent electoral successes, is aiming to unseat the ANC. The once-dominant ANC, which has traditionally held sway in the area, will face strong challenges from opposition parties seeking to capitalise on shifting voter sentiments.
Representing the ANC will be Sanele Khulekani Mathonsi, who hopes to ensure his party's continued control of the ward.
The IFP has fielded Nkosiyapha Wiseman Zulu, while Mthokozisi Mathunjwa will carry the EFF's banner. The MKP has placed its hopes on Lindani Xhakaza as it continues its campaign to expand its influence across the province.
This by-election was triggered by the vacancy left following the death of former ANC councillor Phendukani Mabhida earlier this year. The race is particularly significant for the MKP, led by former president Jacob Zuma, which recently made headlines with a surprise victory over the DA in eThekwini, the only metro in KZN, boasting a budget of R67 billion.
Earlier this month, MKP's Mandla 'Jomo' Biyela clinched Ward 110 in eThekwini with 38.92% of the vote, narrowly defeating the DA by just 22 votes. That win marked the MKP's first seat in eThekwini.
The ward, which includes Phoenix, Umhlanga, and parts of Durban, had been vacated after the DA removed its councillor.
The DA saw its support dip from 44% to 38%, while the ANC's share plummeted from 38% to 15%. The Ward 110 win followed the MKP's earlier by-election victories in Richmond and KwaDukuza, where it also managed to snatch wards from the ANC.
Bongani Baloyi, the MKP's national head of elections, said the party's growing success reflected increasing public confidence. 'This is a clear sign that the MKP is building momentum to govern municipalities outright, without relying on coalitions,' he told Inside Metro.
DAILY NEWS
