By Celani Sikhakhane
- The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party won Ward 17 in Mandeni with 1,316 votes, beating the African National Congress with 642 and the Inkatha Freedom Party with 199.
- The African National Congress fired councillor Siphesihle Ntuli after he was accused of rape, kidnapping and attempted murder, leaving the seat open for the by-election.
The people of Mandeni watched a fierce political fight end in a surprise win for the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party.
Residents saw the African National Congress lose a ward it had been trying hard to keep.
The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party grabbed Ward 17 with more than double the African National Congress’s votes.
The Inkatha Freedom Party finished far behind.
The seat opened after the African National Congress expelled Siphesihle Ntuli.
He was accused of kidnapping, rape and attempted murder.
Ntuli became known across the province when Sunday World reported that he allegedly dragged Siyabonga Makhoba with his bakkie in November 2023.
Makhoba disappeared for months and was found dead near a railway line in April 2024.
The Mandeni win is the third ward the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party has taken since launching in 2023.
The party first won a ward in uMzumbe and earlier this year took a Democratic Alliance ward in Durban.
The strong showing has shaken the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party as they look ahead to next year’s local elections.
Political insiders believe the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party could take more municipalities.
Some senior municipal officials in KZN are already resigning as they fear being pushed out if the party gains control.
Supporters in Mandeni celebrated as soon as the final results came in just after midnight.
Pictured above: MK Party supporters celebrate their big win in Mandeni.
Image source: X
