JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) has officially unveiled its mayoral candidates for key metropolitan municipalities, solidifying its electoral strategy ahead of the 2026 local government elections. During a media briefing held on Friday, August 28, 2026, senior MK Party spokespersons and national officials presented the faces of the movement’s campaign across […]
JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) has officially unveiled its mayoral candidates for key metropolitan municipalities, solidifying its electoral strategy ahead of the 2026 local government elections. During a media briefing held on Friday, August 28, 2026, senior MK Party spokespersons and national officials presented the faces of the movement’s campaign across six of the country’s eight major metros.
The party confirmed its leadership slate for several critical regions. Bongani Baloyi will contest the Johannesburg Metro Municipality, while Thulani Shongwe will represent the party in Ekurhuleni. Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi was named for eThekwini, Phaseka Mothi for Mangaung, and Mvuleni Mabo for Nelson Mandela Bay. The party also confirmed its representation in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality, underscoring its intention to contest six out of the eight available metropolitan areas in the upcoming vote.
Marking a pivotal shift in their electoral strategy, party officials officially launched the “Let us return to the people” campaign. Spokespersons urged all members and supporters to proudly wear the party’s green colors and regalia, and to amplify the movement’s presence across social media platforms.
“We will enter every city, every town, and every village,” a party official stated during the briefing, emphasizing grassroots mobilization, community engagement, and a commitment to taking the people’s mandate directly to the masses. “No one must be left behind.”
The briefing also highlighted the party’s community outreach efforts, specifically commending the work of “MK party medics.” Officials praised these healthcare professionals and volunteers for providing free medical care and treatment to communities facing barriers to accessing quality health services. The party extended sincere appreciation to all volunteers, describing them as the backbone of the organization’s grassroots mobilization and membership recruitment efforts leading up to the polls.
According to the spokespersons, the endorsed candidates will immediately return to their respective cities to join established campaign teams and begin their municipal work ahead of the November 4 elections. To facilitate media engagement and public transparency, a dedicated online portal has been launched, hosting the biographies and profiles of all mayoral and councilor elects.
During the subsequent media engagement, journalists raised questions regarding the two unannounced metropolitan areas, including Cape Town. Reporters asked whether the party is choosing not to contest these areas or if the candidate selections are still being finalized. Additionally, members of the press inquired about the recent expulsion of two members, identified as Dr. Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and Pumlani Kubukeli, questioning whether a formal disciplinary process was followed and the reasoning behind the timing of the dismissals.
The party concluded the briefing by noting that the candidates are ready to engage with the media and their respective communities as the countdown to the November 4 local government elections officially begins.
