The ANC’s arrogance in KwaZulu-Natal and divisions in the IFP were the main factors which helped the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party succeed in the province.
This was the view of University of KwaZulu-Natal political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu, after IEC results in the province showed a probable defeat of both the ANC and IFP.
By early Friday afternoon, the ANC were at 17% with the IFP at 18% in the provincial vote, while MK was leading with over 44%.
Ndlovu said ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma and secretary Bheki Mtolo’s continued attacks on the Zulu monarch and their bullying behaviour cost the party.
“That incident where Duma grabbed the microphone from the traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, angered many people. They ran the ANC like a youth wing,” said Ndlovu.
“They were out of touch with reality the way they behaved. People had long decided that they would vote for the IFP, and it would have won if Jacob Zuma hadn’t endorsed the MK party on 16 December.”
Regarding the IFP, Ndlovu said that despite many desperate people deciding to vote for the party, the divisions that were publicly displayed during the election campaign also cost them.
“The problem is that the IFP premier candidate, Thami Ntuli, competed with the party president, Velenkosini Hlabisa. It was clear to the voters they were not an alternative.
“Then, MK was viewed by many, including IFP supporters, as their new political home. They were able to relate to Zuma because of his Zulu nationalism and his style of amaBhinca [respect for Zulu traditions],” he said.
Ndlovu said that most politicians underestimated Zuma’s popularity and ability to play the victim card.
He said when Zuma complained about mistreatment from the ANC and his arrest while other ANC leaders were not affected by their corrupt activities, people sympathised with him.
He added that many people viewed the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as a father figure, but after his death, it is clear that Zuma has assumed that role in the province, which helped the MK surprise many.
At the time of publication, MK was still leading by a huge margin, although counting is still underway.
Pictured above: Siboniso Duma.
Image source: X
