MKP says it is ready for coalition talks
The Mkhonto wesizwe Party says that it is ready for coalition talks and has appointed a team to spearhead that, following the 2026 LGE
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party says it is ready to have coalition talks with other black parties.
This afternoon, Advocate Dali Mpofu read out a statement, as written by the Mkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) President Jacob Zuma, during a media briefing to outline the party’s approach to any possible coalition arrangements at local government level and to announce the members of the party’s National Negotiations Team (NTT) which will be tasked with conducting all negotiations on behalf of the organisation.
This comes after the 2026 Local Government Elections that took place on Wednesday. As of this afternoon, according to the results from the 98% of voting districts counted provincially so far, the MKP was leading, followed by Inkatha Freedom Party, the ANC and then the Democratic Alliance, while the other parties followed.
According to Zuma, the MKP had elected a national negotiations team, termed NNT, by the party. These names are: Duduzani Zuma, Tony Yengeni, Mxolisi Phakathi, Lindi Mtshali, Willies Mchunu, Advocate Dali Mpofu and Dr Thanti Mthanti.
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“The team is entrusted with the responsibility of leading and coordinating all coalition negotiations on behalf of the MKP,” said Zuma.
He added that the national team would be mandated to engage prospective coalition partners, assess political and program alignment, negotiate coalition agreements and make recommendations on governance arrangements and the distribution of executive responsibilities.
“All negotiations must be guided by the MK party’s People’s Mandate and the approved coalitions manual, which is our internal document which we are going to be using as a guide,” he said.
Zuma said that particular attention must be given to political alignment, council arithmetic, governance capacity, financial sustainability, integrity and the ability of prospective partners to deliver on agreed commitments and not merely the distribution of positions.
He said that the team must ensure that all proposed coalition arrangements are supported by written agreements with measurable commitments and clear accountability mechanisms.
“All agreements must be concluded by the end of the first 100 days after the establishment of the council,” said Zuma.
He further stated that the presidency would retain the establishment of the council.
“Presidency retains the final political authority to approve or reject any coalition arrangements. Any unresolved matters or disputes that exceed the teams mandate must be referred to the teams presidency for guidance and direction,” said Zuma.
He emphasised that no coalition agreements would be concluded or signed on behalf of the party without the explicit approval of the presidency.
Zuma said that all provincial, regional and local structures are directed to operate strictly within the national negotiating framework and to subject themselves to the leadership and guidance of the NNT. He further stated that no MKP structure, public representative or individual member is authorised to initiate, conduct or conclude coalition negotiations outside of the framework established by the NNT.
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Zuma said that provincial and regional structures may provide political guidance and participate in engagements when authorised by the national team. They may not make independent commitments or enter into agreements with any other political party.
“Any unauthorised negotiations or commitments shall constitute a breach of the party’s directives and must be referred to the appropriate disciplinary structures for consideration.
“All structures are directed to cooperate fully with the national negotiations team and ensure disciplined implementation of this framework,” he said.
Zuma said the party must approach coalition negotiations with unity, discipline, and a clear understanding that their participation in government must advance the interests of their people and not selfish interests of any person.
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