Internal tensions have emerged within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in KwaZulu-Natal, with the uMhlabuyalingana Sub-Regional Leadership demanding the immediate removal and redeployment of proportional representation (PR) councillors appointed to the area following the 2026 Local Government Elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the sub-region’s communication officer, Zenzele Ngubane, local leaders described the PR appointments as an insult to uMhlabuyalingana, arguing that the area had been overlooked despite its contribution to the party’s electoral performance.

The sub-region claims the MK Party won 10 of the 20 wards in uMhlabuyalingana but was subsequently left without what its leadership considers adequate representation at the uMkhanyakude District level.

The statement also raises allegations of irregularities in the selection of PR councillors. Local leaders claim that established recruitment procedures, including shortlisting and interviews, were not followed before candidates were selected for deployment.

According to the sub-region, local members had invested their own money in applying for positions, while leadership allegedly arranged transport to deliver applications to Durban. They now accuse regional leaders of favouring individuals who allegedly did not participate in the local election campaign.

The statement further draws comparisons with the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, alleging that despite the area’s claimed 98% vote share for the MK Party, uMhlabuyalingana was previously denied what local leaders believe was its rightful parliamentary representation.

Four demands presented to the party

The sub-regional leadership has outlined four demands:

Immediate removal: All PR councillors currently deployed to uMhlabuyalingana must be removed and redeployed to the uMkhanyakude District.

Fresh selection process: New PR candidates must be elected for deployment to uMhlabuyalingana.

Local consultation: The sub-region must be directly involved in deciding who represents the area.

Future representation: The party must ensure proper local representation as it works towards its stated ambition of securing a two-thirds majority in the 2029 elections.

Although the local leadership says it remains committed to the broader MK Party organisation, it has warned that it will not accept what it regards as the undermining of uMhlabuyalingana.

The dispute raises questions about internal party democracy, candidate selection and the balance of power between regional and sub-regional structures within the MK Party.