The uMkhonto weSizwe Party says it is engaged in discussions with the March and March movement, with both groups believed to be exploring possible areas of cooperation ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
Although no formal agreement has been reached, the party says there are shared interests that could make collaboration beneficial for both organisations.
MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the two groups’ strong support base in KwaZulu-Natal could make a partnership politically advantageous.
Political analyst Bheki Mngomezulu said a potential alliance ahead of the November local government elections could significantly strengthen the MK Party’s position.
“If the relationship between the two formations is formalised, the MK Party could potentially tap into a growing support base,” Mngomezulu said.
“In politics, anything is possible. Depending on what transpires in the negotiations and interactions they are having, anything can still happen.”
Mngomezulu noted that March and March has developed a sizeable following in KwaZulu-Natal, which is regarded as a key support base for the MK Party.
He added that it would not be politically strategic for the party to alienate supporters aligned with the movement.
The analyst also pointed to previous public appearances involving ActionSA and March and March, although neither organisation has formally endorsed the other.
Mngomezulu said the MK Party may now be attempting to consolidate support around immigration-related concerns.
“Hypothetically, if the MK Party were to forge a relationship with March and March, seeing the support that they have, their support may automatically consolidate its power,” he said.
At the same time, he cautioned that the MK Party would also need to focus on internal stability ahead of the elections.
The party recently suspended its spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, a matter Mahlangu described as an internal issue.
Mahlangu insisted the party was stable and denied claims of a leadership crisis, saying it remained focused on preparations for the elections.
Mngomezulu added that political parties often pursue strategic alliances ahead of elections, even where partnerships may appear unlikely to outside observers.
“In this case, if the relationship can be formalised, or at least through an endorsement, those within March and March would definitely vote for the party,” he said.
He further noted that the upcoming local government elections would serve as a major test of organisational strength for newer political parties that gained prominence during the national elections.
Mngomezulu said a successful partnership between the MK Party and March and March could also pose a political challenge to Herman Mashaba and ActionSA, particularly on immigration-related campaigning.
While immigration may not be the leading concern for all voters, he said it remains a significant political issue alongside broader economic and service delivery challenges.