'It is the Zuma effect': MK Party dominates KZN election race
Jacob Zuma’s MK Party has achieved significant electoral success in KwaZulu-Natal, disrupting traditional ANC strongholds. The party's performance, dubbed the 'Zuma effect,' has forced a shift in the regional political landscape as counting continues.
Why it matters
The rise of the MK Party signals a major realignment in South African politics, challenging the long-standing dominance of the ANC in key provinces.
Jacob Zuma’s MK Party has smashed historic ANC strongholds across KwaZulu-Natal to win outright control of three rural councils and open leads in 11 municipalities, relegating the ANC to third place.
Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) results showed counting stood at 66% in the province and past 70% nationally just after 7am on Friday.
Nationally, the party took 9. 01% of the vote and 290 seats to lock down third spot behind the ANC and the DA.
In KZN, MK took 34. 63% of the vote with 1, 266, 117 ballots cast in its favour, securing 243 council seats.
The party took absolute control in Richmond, iMpendle and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, registered on the system as Johannes Phumani Pungula.
In Richmond, an ANC heartland for decades, MKP won 56. 27% of the vote and 10 seats.
The ANC managed 30. 15% and five seats in the council.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in