By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Leader of the MK Party Jacob Zuma has replaced the mayoral candidate of eThekwini municipality, Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi, 12 days after she was appointed by the party. The reason for this removal is due to the party investigating allegations that legitimate councillor candidates were removed from its list and replaced with other names.
“The investigation will seek to establish the full facts and ensure that any persons found responsible for wrongdoing are held accountable in accordance with the organisation’s rules and procedures,” said the party in a media statement.
The MK party’s national chair, Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi, was said to be its mayoral candidate according to the MK Party. Hlophe Mkhwanazi along with Presidential Task Team Chairperson Sibonelo Maphumulo have also been removed from the National Party Liaison Committee with immediate effect, as they pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Presidential Task Team was established by Jacob Zuma in February in order to prepare the party for elections.
The National Party Liaison Committee forms part of the party’s official channel for dealing with the Electoral Commission on electoral related matters, and each party is only permitted two representatives.
The MK party has now lost both of its representatives as the municipal elections draw nearer. Despite this dismissal, the party can change the names that have already been submitted.
The IEC stated that they had closed their candidate nominations at 5PM on 28 August, through their online system and hand delivery at the municipal office, and no changes can be made as the system has now been taken down.
It will publish its final list of candidates on September 16 and issue certificates of candidacy on September 25th. “There is no place for manipulation, political gatekeeping or the abuse of organisational processes,” said the party in a statement.
“The party will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth regarding any alleged misrepresentation or irregularities involving councillor lists.”
The MK party took 45% of the vote in KwaZulu-Natal in the 2024 National elections but was kept out of the national government.