The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), led by former President Jacob Zuma, has expressed a strong desire to govern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following the 2024 provincial elections. In these elections, the MKP secured 45.4% of the vote, surpassing both the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the African National Congress (ANC). Despite this plurality, the MKP did not achieve an outright majority in the 80-member provincial legislature, which necessitated coalition negotiations.

The IFP, ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), and National Freedom Party (NFP) formed an alliance, collectively holding 41 seats, thereby enabling them to elect IFP member Thami Ntuli as Premier of KZN. In response, the MKP has been actively seeking to challenge the current coalition government. Magasela Mzobe, head of the MKP presidency, has pledged to "take back KZN from [the] IFP-led coalition," indicating plans to dismantle the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The MKP's strategy includes engaging in coalition negotiations with other parties, such as the ANC and NFP, to garner the necessary support to govern the province.

However, internal challenges have emerged, including the suspension of three MKP members in the KZN legislature—Thobani Zuma, Sfiso Zuma, and chief whip Kwazi Mbanjwa—who are facing disciplinary charges. As the MKP continues its efforts to assume governance in KZN, the political landscape remains dynamic, with potential implications for the province's future leadership and policies.