ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile. | Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers.
Durban — As KwaZulu-Natal gears up for the high-stakes by-elections next Wednesday, the ANC is pulling no punches in its bid to reclaim ward 2 under Msunduzi Municipality from its opponent, the IFP.
On Tuesday, the ANC deployed its Deputy President Paul Mashatile to spearhead its campaign, a move that is aimed at wooing voters in the ward where the party lost influence in a region that has witnessed dramatic political shifts in recent months.
Mashatile launched his campaign with an ambitious door-to-door campaign in the KwaMpumuza Traditional Authority, engaging directly with residents to galvanise support while showcasing ANC's commitment to community involvement.
He is set to hold a community engagement event in Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 4pm on Tuesday (today).
The ward became vacant after the IFP expelled its former councillor, Sibusiso Ntuli, last month.
This shifting political terrain provides an opportunity for the ANC, which lost control of the ward to the IFP during a by-election last year triggered by the passing of ANC councillor Phumlani Gabuza.
In stark contrast to the ANC's revitalised efforts, the IFP is equally determined to tighten its grip on the ward, as it faces strong opposition not only from the ANC but also from the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
The election will see the IFP fielding Mbongeni Shezi, a prominent local figure, while the ANC counters with its candidate, Mbongeni Zuma, and the MKP is offering Sthabiso Nkabinde as its representative.
Confident in the IFP's standing, uMgungundlovu District chairperson Thinasonke Ntombela expressed optimism that his party would retain the ward.
"This decision was made for the good of the people of ward 2, and we believe they will reward the IFP for putting them first," Ntombela was quoted as saying by the Witness.
Moreover, the MKP, buoyed by its recent success in the national general elections, where it secured 14.8% of the vote nationally and 45% in KZN, is not backing down either. With plans to deploy senior leaders, including provincial convener Willies Mchunu—a former ANC stalwart and ex-premier of KwaZulu-Natal—the MKP is determined to stake its claim in the upcoming by-elections.
With emotions running high and stakes at their peak, the by-election set for next Wednesday promises to be hotly-contested. This by-election is not merely about control of ward 2. At stake are the broader party struggles that could shape South Africa's political landscape leading into the critical 2026 local government elections.
WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995.
Daily News