MK Party Claims First Victory in Western Cape as Mzwandile Simon Biko Becomes Ward 1 Councillor in Saldanha Bay Municipality

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is celebrating a significant win in the Western Cape, as they secured their very first ward in this province, traditionally governed by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

This victory marks an important milestone for the MK Party as they gain their first-ever councillor in a province dominated by the DA.

New Ward Councillor in Saldanha Bay Municipality

Mzwandile Simon Biko has been appointed as the new ward councillor for Ward 1 in the Saldanha Bay Municipality.

The MK Party managed to snatch this seat from the African National Congress (ANC) during a series of by-elections that took place across three provinces on Wednesday.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the MK Party garnered 36.33% of the vote, an increase from their 30.25% during the 2021 Municipal Elections. The voter turnout was reported at 55.30%.

MK Party’s Impressive Performance

In the latest round of elections, the MK Party managed to win 44% of the vote, with the ANC securing 31% and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) following with 18%.

The Patriotic Alliance received 7% of the vote, while the DA received less than 1%.

This win in the Western Cape expands the MK Party’s influence, as they now hold ward councillor positions in three provinces: two in KwaZulu-Natal, one in North West, and now, one in the Western Cape.

Recent MK Party Gains in KwaZulu-Natal

Just last week, the MK Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, also made a notable gain in KwaZulu-Natal.

The party successfully won Ward 2 in Richmond from the ANC, further solidifying its presence in the province.

This continued success demonstrates the MK Party’s rising influence in local politics.

ANC Retains Seats in Other Provinces

Elsewhere, the ANC retained its seats in the latest by-elections.

In Gauteng, Sthembiso Fortune Hlatshwayo became the new councillor for the ANC in Ward 59 in the City of Johannesburg.

The ANC maintained the seat they won in the 2021 Municipal Elections, securing 57.46% of the total votes cast, up from 48.37% in 2021.

Similarly, in the Northern Cape, the ANC held onto Ward 1 in the Joe Morolong Municipality, although their share of the vote decreased slightly from 62.77% in 2021 to 54.12% this time.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Municipal Elections

With these recent wins, many are now looking ahead to the 2026 Municipal Elections to see how the MK Party will perform on a larger scale.

Will they continue to rise in influence across South Africa? Only time will tell.