MK Party names Tshwane candidate days after axing its eThekwini pick

The MK Party has named Annie Matime, a former Tshwane municipal director, as its mayoral candidate for the City of Tshwane in the upcoming local government elections on November 4. Matime, who spent over 20 years in municipal government, fills the second metro slot left empty when the party announced its mayoral line-up in Durban two weeks ago.

The only other metro without a party candidate is Cape Town. Matime, an accomplished public-sector professional and community leader with extensive leadership experience across various civic organizations, is described as a capable and experienced choice to lead Tshwane under the MK Party banner. This announcement came three days after the party removed Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi from its eThekwini mayoral bid and replaced her with Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi.

The party has also disbanded its Presidential Task Team and initiated an investigation into allegations of irregularities in councillor candidate lists. National spin doctor Sifiso Mahlangu called on party members to unite behind the candidates and rally behind the councillor and mayoral candidates. Matime will face off against the DA's Cilliers Brink, who was previously Tshwane mayor, and ActionSA's Nasiphi Moya, the current sitting mayor.