KZN holds its breath ahead of local government elections voting
Political parties have called for political tolerance as the country goes to the polls on Wednesday.
The province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is bracing itself for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 2026. As South Africa gears up to vote, a sense of calm prevails in the region, with reporters and election officials arriving at the King Shaka International Airport and the Durban International Conference Centre to collect their accreditations. The Results Operation Centre, however, remains empty while final checks are conducted by reporters, political parties, and the public.
As the election day approaches, the atmosphere shifts from calm to tense, especially in the township areas of KZN. In KwaMashu, unemployed youth can be seen loitering on the streets, while drunk men stumble along their way. The area is rife with the consequences of poor service delivery, and the streets exude an aura of apprehension.
In uMlazi, concerns are brewing as the national office bearers of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) visit various councillor candidates due to death threats. Despite the absence of violence, there is a palpable tension among the citizens, who are debating whom to vote for.
Different political parties are urging their constituents to exercise restraint and tolerance as the elections approach. The IFP has suffered significant losses of councillor candidates due to assassinations, leaving the party reeling. The African National Congress (ANC) anticipates a resurgence in support, particularly in eThekwini, which has been their stronghold. However, the ANC struggled in the last local government elections, securing only 17% of the votes and forming a coalition government.
Polls suggest that the MK Party may have an edge in various parts of KZN, especially in eThekwini, marking the first time the party contests local government elections since its formation in 2023. As the province holds its breath, the ANC remains optimistic about regaining lost support, while the IFP and other parties brace themselves for the challenges ahead.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
