ANC vows to secure 1,2 million votes to hold eThekwini amid MKP surge

eThekwini ANC convener Thabani Nyawose has set a target of 1,2 million votes in the upcoming local government elections as the party pushes to retain control of the municipality, according to IOL.

Target set at rally

At a rally held on Sunday, Thabani Nyawose, speaking in front of ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula, announced the vote target and outlined the region’s objective to secure an outright majority in eThekwini.

“We have sat down with our volunteer team and set a target. I wish to announce that we have agreed that the ANC must secure 1,2 million votes in the upcoming local government elections. We have also agreed to retain all our 74 wards we won in 2021 and increase the number of PR (Proportional Representation) seats,” Thabani Nyawose, as quoted by IOL.

Mbalula’s priorities

According to IOL, ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula backed the vote target and urged the party to work with the municipality to address water challenges in the city. He also called for an end to crime in eThekwini and praised provincial commissioner Lieutenant‑General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for his work.

Pressure from the Umkhonto weSizwe Party

The push for a landslide by the ANC comes as IOL reports analysts predicting that the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is poised to win the municipality with an overwhelming majority. Those projections are said to be based on the MKP’s performance in the 2024 general election.

Internal challenges for the ANC in eThekwini

IOL reports the ANC in eThekwini has faced organisational problems: the party postponed its elective conference several times because branches failed to hold meetings to elect new leadership. The article attributes this failure to dual membership, with some members leaving to join the MKP while keeping their ANC membership.

As the local government vote approaches, Nyawose’s declared 1,2 million‑vote target and commitments to hold the 74 wards and boost PR seats signal a concerted effort by the ANC to hold the region against rising opposition, according to IOL.

Editor’s note: Article updated to correct attributions and remove an inaccurate quote found in the earlier draft.