{
  "id": 18662827,
  "title": "The battle for eThekwini: MK party ‘won’t bother’ with party out to block them from power",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/the-battle-for-ethekwini-mk-party-wont-bother-with-party-out-to-block",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T07:30:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/the-battle-for-ethekwini-mk-party-wont-bother-with-party-out-to-block-them-from-power/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The MK party, known as uMkhonto weSizwe, is determined to gain control in the City of eThekwini, according to Willies Mchunu, the party's provincial convenor for KwaZulu-Natal. Speaking to The Citizen, Mchunu stated that his party will not accept being the most-voted-for party without actual power. After announcing 89% of the votes in the metro, the MK party holds approximately 40% of the seats, trailing the DA at 24.4% and the ANC at 16.7%.\n\nMchunu acknowledged that coalitions are a reality in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of the country. However, he emphasized that the MK party would not engage with any party that explicitly opposes their entry into government. He did not specify which party he was referring to. Mchunu expressed frustration that despite being the majority in KwaZulu-Natal's legislature, the MK party is not part of the governing coalition. He affirmed that they will use all legal means to seize power in the provincial legislature and municipalities where possible.\n\nMchunu ruled out altering the structure of the provincial legislature through municipal coalition talks. He noted that some parties, such as the EFF, may not be part of the progressive block in certain municipalities. Mchunu defended the MK party's consistent leadership changes, arguing that getting rid of non-performing individuals is a strength in a new organization. He explained that a new party must try various options until it finds the right people to fill leadership positions.",
  "summary": "'We know those who hate us, and we will not bother them. There is a party who made it their task to block us from going into government'",
  "key_points": [
    "MK party (uMkhonto weSizwe) aims to control eThekwini city, according to Willies Mchunu.",
    "MK holds 40% of seats in metro, trailing DA at 24.4% and ANC at 16.7%.",
    "Party refuses to cooperate with any party opposing their entry into government."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The MK party's refusal to negotiate with opposing factions signals a shift toward a more combative approach to coalition politics as they attempt to translate voter support into actual governance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}