All roads will lead to Durban’s iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium today as the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) commemorates its first anniversary. With thousands of members and supporters expected to fill the stadium, party leaders remain undeterred by any attempts to undermine the event. “No amount of sabotage will stand in the way,” said the MKP leadership, emphasising their determination to make this celebration a grand success.
Vincent Mdunge, the MKP spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, announced that preparations are well underway, highlighting plans to transport party members from across the province via buses — a solution necessitated by the refusal of the Public Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to support their application to use trains. “This thing smacks of politics on the side of Prasa and we warn them that they should refrain from entering such space because they are a public entity and should focus on that mandate,” Mdunge asserted.
The enthusiasm is not limited to KwaZulu-Natal; Mdunge revealed heightened excitement in other provinces, including Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as party supporters clamor to take part in the milestone event. In the lead-up to the rally, activities generated significant anticipation, with recent mini-rallies, such as one in KwaXimba that attracted nearly 30,000 attendees, reflecting the public’s dissatisfaction with service delivery, particularly regarding water supply.
Mdunge believes that the public’s trust in the MKP stems from its leadership, particularly former President Jacob Zuma, who launched the party to challenge the African National Congress (ANC) after a contentious tenure. He noted, “What they see in MK Party, especially our leader President Zuma, is a man who understands and is willing to address their plight.”
While the atmosphere is set for celebration, Mdunge implored attendees to exercise caution, urging them to avoid irresponsible drinking. “Our people should refrain from irresponsible drinking. In fact, those who will be attending and happen to be driving should not drink at all,” he said, emphasising the need for responsible behaviour during the festivities.
According to eThekwini metro police, there will be no road closures, although law enforcement will maintain a vigilant presence at the venue to ensure order is upheld.
Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela from the University of KwaZulu-Natal observed that today’s gathering represents a strategic show of strength by the MKP in preparation for the upcoming 2026 local government elections. He posits that the party might unveil new leaders who have defected from rival parties, reaffirming that “taking the MK Party lightly will be a mistake.”
Ntombela pointed out, however, that the MKP’s success hinges upon its ability to shift away from the perception of being a one-man show focused solely on Zuma, cautioning that similar political movements in history have faded once they became overly reliant on a single charismatic leader. “The party needs to demonstrate that it is not a one-man show,” he stated, referencing other parties such as the United Democratic Movement and Congress Of the People as cautionary tales.
He remarked, “If Zuma had adopted a style of being seen less and allowing for a broader leadership base, there would be hope for the MK Party to live beyond him. However, as it stands, that does not seem likely.” Drawing comparisons with the Democratic Alliance’s Helen Zille, he noted the importance of a leader who influences from behind the scenes while allowing others to take the forefront.
Despite these warnings, Ntombela expressed optimism regarding the MKP’s potential performance in the approaching elections, acknowledging the ripe political climate for an alternative party in South Africa attributed to growing public discontent.
As the day unfolds, the MKP’s first anniversary promises to be not just a celebration of its journey so far, but a crucial moment in the party’s strategy for future relevance in the South African political landscape.