Elections 2024: KZN residents mixed about MK Party’s performance
The party, which former president Jacob Zuma now leads, has been shooting the lights out across the board - but specifically in KwaZulu-Natal, where it’s leading the pack on the provincial ballot.
Former President and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma dances on stage of the party’s last rally in eMalahleni on 26 May 2024. Picture: AFP
DURBAN - While some say they were expecting it, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s unprecedented performance in the elections has taken others by surprise.
The party, which former president Jacob Zuma now leads, has been shooting the lights out across the board, but specifically in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where it’s leading the pack on the provincial ballot.
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Traditionally an African National Congress (ANC) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) stronghold, it certainly looks like change is on the horizon in KwaZulu-Natal, with the MK Party sitting with around 45% of the provincial votes as of Saturday morning.
And for many of those living there, like Newlands West’s Rachel James, it comes as no surprise.
“I think people are fed up with the way the country’s been for the last few years, and you could see by the lines at the polling station. There were long, long lines right until the night, so everybody’s looking forward to change.”
These election results have caught others completely off guard, though, including local businessman Sifiso Mdunge.
“I don’t think anyone anticipated the change we are seeing now because obviously based on what people say, even on social media, you could feel that people wanted some sort of change. But I don’t think anyone can be honest and say they knew this was what was going to happen exactly.”
Regardless of whether it’s what they were expecting or not, the general sentiment among residents of KwaZulu-Natal is one of optimism right now and they’re hopeful that the change that’s coming is the kind the province needs.
[WATCH] EWN had a Q&A with MK Party member, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, on the party’s electoral performance, her political future, coalition talks and whether Jacob Zuma will be be going back to government at 82-years-old. TCG pic.twitter.com/nCiVciaL4v
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 31, 2024
KZN’s not had it easy the last couple of years, with ongoing water shortages, violent crime continuing to spiral out of control and the July 2021 unrest, which had the province in a chokehold for about eight days.
And some told Eyewitness News that with all the challenges, something had to give.
So the prospect of political change is by and large something that’s got Durban resident Antoinette Oosthuizen feeling hopeful.
"Definitely. It should really be people with a big vision and really do what they say and practice what they preach."
Some, like Cynthia Pillay have their reservations about the MK Party and its leader, Zuma.
"I’m not sure. And the fact of the matter is we’ve been under Zuma before, we know the chaos. But you know what? Sometimes you just have to give them a chance I think - let them prove that they are good for our province."
Even with the past controversies, though, Pillay said she too remains optimistic.