. FRESH from bruising back-to-back by-election defeats, the once-dominant but now limping ANC is now pulling out all the stops to retain Ward 4 which is up for grabs in the Mooi Mpofana Local Municipality, south of KwaZulu-Natal. The by-election for the ward, which take place on May 14, will see the ANC fighting yet again to defend one of its wards being prised away from the on-a-roll uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), the IFP, EFF and the struggling NFP.

The ward became vacant after France Malevu, an ANC councillor, died in February following illness. The by-election comes at a time when the ANC is faced with internal challenges and waning influence in some regions, whereas the MK Party's support base continues on an upward trajectory. In the ward, the EFF and IFP are the other serious contenders. The ANC is still reeling from its loss to the MKP in the Mandeni by-election last week and is not allowing anything to happen in this latest contest. Party heavyweights, including Senzo Mchunu, the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) member and current Minister of Police, have been deployed to campaign in the area.

Over the weekend, Mchunu held a series of door-to-door engagements, including a visit to Mxhakeni Creche, where he stressed the importance of community interaction in understanding local needs. "We have come to solicit your vote. We are committed to improving your lives, and the ANC has always been your party. We’ve learned from our mistakes and will continue to improve,” said Mchunu. Mchunu's trip to the area was part of a larger plan to boost the ANC's fortunes in KZN, where opposition parties are increasingly challenging the ANC. Reflecting on the ANC's past leadership in the province, Mchunu acknowledged the party's shortcomings but reiterated its commitment to regaining the trust of voters. Mchunu stated, "We want to maintain our position as the ruling party at all levels."

“We are listening to the people and learning from them, even though we are aware that we have made mistakes. Together, we will create a better future.” While the ANC aims to put its best foot forward, the MKP is likely to emerge as the party's main rival, especially after their recent victories in Ward 28 in KwaDukuza and Ward 18 in Mandeni. The MKP, which was founded by former President Jacob Zuma at the end of 2023, has quickly become a significant player in local politics. The MKP wanted to add Ward 4 to its growing list of wards after gaining control of five in KZN and one in the North West. MKP representatives were also out in force over the weekend, conducting their own door-to-door campaign to sway voters.

The party’s leadership was hoping to continue with its winning streak, also buoyed by its recent success in displacing the ANC and the DA in Ward 110 in eThekwini. At the same time, Ward 4 was being targeted by the IFP, and its provincial executive committee was making a request for support. Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala, the party’s deputy chairperson, led the campaign in the ward over the weekend. “We humbly ask for your vote. The IFP is the only party that has proven it can deliver results. Vote for us, and we will work to make your lives better,” said Shabalala.

With the local government elections just a year away, the outcome of the Ward 4 by-election could serve as a crucial boost for the political parties going into the 2026 polls. It remained to be seen whether the ANC could reclaim its stronghold or whether the rising forces of the MKP, IFP, and other challengers would alter the region's political landscape as the battle for control of the ward intensified.