'We won't allow DA to dictate': Zuma’s MK Party eyes deal with ANC to take eThekwini

The MK Party is considering a coalition with the ANC in eThekwini as political parties scramble to secure governing agreements following an election that left no party with an outright majority. Senior MK Party insiders say negotiations could begin within days, despite resistance from the DA.

A coalition between the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the ANC could be on the cards in eThekwini after the latest election results indicated that no party would secure an outright majority.

Several MK Party insiders have confirmed that the party's newly established National Negotiation Team (NNT) is preparing to meet ANC representatives in the coming days to explore a possible coalition agreement.

"We are not going to allow the DA to dictate the rules in eThekwini or anywhere where we achieved a majority. The old man has warmed up to speaking to the ANC. Ramaphosa is on his way out, and we are finding each other.

"An alliance of progressive black parties is the only way we can unite. To do this, we must put our differences aside and come together for the sake of our people. There is no other way," a senior MK Party insider told IOL.

The sentiments were echoed by several other party insiders who expressed concern about a repeat of the political developments following the 2024 elections, when the MK Party was excluded from governing arrangements despite its strong electoral performance.

A coalition involving the ANC, IFP and EFF kept the party out of power in eThekwini.

The MK Party has emerged as the third-largest party nationally and the largest in KwaZulu-Natal, according to the reported results.

Senior DA leader Helen Zille has warned against any coalition involving the MK Party in eThekwini, while the DA has reportedly been working behind the scenes to prevent such an arrangement.

"We cannot have an MK coalition of any kind in eThekwini. I can tell you our GNU partners are talking to avoid that.

"One of the key players is the IFP because we know MK is speaking to them. But the GNU warned them before the elections of our commitment to keeping the GNU and the provincial government of unity," a DA insider said.

With political parties racing to secure coalition agreements, the MK Party has announced a National Negotiation Team to lead its negotiations.

The team includes advocate Dali Mpofu, first deputy president Duduzane Zuma, second deputy president Tony Yengeni, KwaZulu-Natal provincial convenor Willies Mchunu, acting secretary-general Lindi Mtshali-Makhubu, national chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi and former treasurer-general Dr Thanti Mthanti.

A key consideration in the MK Party's coalition strategy is its ability to govern across KwaZulu-Natal, where it has reportedly secured outright control of three municipalities: Richmond, iMpendle and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

The party has won council majorities in these municipalities and is leading in 17 others across the province.

An MK Party insider said the outcome of negotiations in eThekwini could influence coalition arrangements elsewhere in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country.

"Our coalition talks in eThekwini will set a precedent for other municipalities in KZN and even the country.

"We are open to governing with the ANC. We have the majority, and we want black parties to unite. We are not going to be left out again," another senior MK Party insider said.