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Duduzane Zuma leads coalition negotiations for the uMkhonto Wesizwe party in eThekwini and other municipalities, preparing for government talks following local election outcomes.
Stepping Into the Political Frontline
Duduzane Zuma has spent much of his life surrounded by politics as the son of former president Jacob Zuma, but he did not enter the direct political sphere until two years ago. Now, as the first deputy president of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, he holds a central role in steering the organisation into local government across several municipalities, Daily Maverick reported.
The responsibility arrives as the MK party seeks to translate its electoral footprint into actual governance, particularly in eThekwini. In that metro, the party emerged as the largest political force during recent electoral cycles yet fell short of securing an outright majority, necessitating complex coalition agreements.
“I haven’t been on the frontline like many people, but we understand the game. We grew up around it. We know who is who and what is what, but this time around, an opportunity has been presented, not just for MK, but for the country,” Zuma told Daily Maverick.
Lessons from Past Elections and Coalition Strategy
The MK party faced a steep learning curve after the 2024 national and provincial elections, finding itself outside governing arrangements as coalitions formed elsewhere. Zuma acknowledged that the party was caught off guard initially, but insisted that preparation levels have changed for current municipal discussions.
“You are absolutely correct. I think last time there was a plan in place, except this time they have been strengthened. I will be there and so there will be no shenanigans. We want to work with people who are honest, who are not going to take us for a ride, simple as that,” Zuma told Daily Maverick regarding the party’s stricter stance on partnerships.
Echoing that hardline approach, Zuma emphasized there will be no political lifelines offered to struggling factions. The party maintains that prospective coalition partners must share identical values, morals, and policy frameworks rather than joining forces out of mere political convenience.
Reindustrialisation and Service Delivery in eThekwini
“Reindustrialisation, more than anything, and that will deal with every other issue. The water crisis, electricity – it’s about having the correct systems in place that will run optimally. It’s about getting people who will deliver,” Zuma told Daily Maverick.
To fund these ambitious infrastructure overhauls, the party aims to partner with both local and international private entities alongside government allocations.
Leadership Changes Raise Concerns About MK Party Stability
Continuous changes within the MK party hierarchy, including the recent replacement of secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo, have raised outside concerns regarding institutional stability. Zuma dismissed these rapid shifts as normal teething pains for an organization that launched only six months prior to the 2024 elections.
He compared the management style to that of party leader Jacob Zuma, pointing out a historical precedent for leadership changes at the executive level. “If you look at the leader of the party, he’s got a history of reshuffles. I think he still holds the record for the majority of them as a head of state, so he’s brought that culture into the organisation,” Zuma told Daily Maverick.
“Given an opportunity, hell yeah. But I think those are some massive shoes that I don’t think many people can fill, myself included,” he told Daily Maverick, adding that he strives to emulate his father’s legacy as a politician, statesman and father.
