Three disgruntled uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) members in Ndwedwe have jumped ship to the African Transformation Movement (ATM), citing factionalism and alleged manipulation of candidate selection processes.

Meshack Hlophe of Ward 18, Velani Mhlaba of Ward 11 and Siyadumisa Ncwane of Ward 12 were officially welcomed into the ATM during a press briefing last Friday.

The trio said their decision to leave the MKP followed growing frustration over internal divisions and the way candidates were selected ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

Ncwane claimed members without financial influence struggled to have their concerns heard within the party.

“We realised that if you do not have money, your voice is unlikely to be heard. In that way, the voice of the people ends up being overpowered by those with financial muscle.

“After the candidate selection was done, we raised our objections, but we did not get any joy,” said Ncwane.

The three were welcomed by ATM provincial secretary Sipho Mbalo and other party leaders.

Mbalo said the ATM was committed to maintaining unity within its ranks and warned that factionalism would not be tolerated.

He stressed that the arrival of the three former MKP members did not automatically mean they would become ATM candidates in their respective wards.

“Whether they are going to be our candidates in their wards in the coming elections will depend on our internal processes. As things stand, we cannot confirm that,” said Mbalo.

MKP had not responded at the time of publication.