Msunduzi council hung as MK Party wins 31 of 81 seats

The MK Party won 31 of Msunduzi’s 81 council seats but needs coalition partners to govern the municipality, with 41 seats required for a majority.

The MK Party has emerged as the largest party in Msunduzi Municipality with 31 seats, but has failed to secure an outright majority, leaving control of the KwaZulu-Natal capital dependent on possible coalition arrangements.

The seat allocation was announced by Manager of Electoral Operations Dr Khulekani Zulu, prompting applause from MK Party members gathered at the results centre celebrating the lead.

The ANC, which previously led the municipality, secured 17 seats, matching the DA which also obtained 17.

The IFP secured seven seats, while independent candidates collectively won three.

ActionSA, the EFF, the SACP, VF Plus and Africa Mayibuye Movement each secured one seat.

Despite securing the largest share of seats, the MK Party fell short of the numbers needed to govern the municipality alone.

The outcome leaves the composition of the new Msunduzi council and the question of who will govern the municipality dependent on negotiations between political parties.