By: Buhle Mbhele
The Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) has conceded that it was insufficiently prepared for the 2024 national elections. Provincial secretary Simphiwe Mpungose identified delayed and improperly established party structures as a key contributor to organisational instability.
Mpungose joined party chairperson Willies Mchunu at a press briefing yesterday to provide journalists with updates on key MKP developments.
In last year’s elections, the MKP secured 45.35% of the vote in KwaZulu‑Natal, winning 37 seats and surpassing the ANC as the largest party in the provincial legislature.
Despite this strong electoral showing, the MKP did not form the provincial government. A coalition comprising the IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP secured a majority of 41 seats, and their candidate, Thami Ntuli, was installed as Premier with 41 votes to MKP’s 39.
Mpungose emphasised that the party is already addressing these shortcomings.
“We are in the process of reworking our mistakes to be better prepared for the 2026 municipal elections,” he said.
