The Umkhonto weSizwe party has extended a formal invitation to the ANC to join discussions aimed at stabilizing governance in KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa’s Umkhonto weSizwe party (MK) has formally invited the African National Congress (ANC) to participate in ongoing discussions aimed at forming a new coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal.
The invitation, which was extended to the ANC’s leadership structures, comes as MKP engages with the National Freedom Party (NFP) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to establish a stable and inclusive governance framework for the province.
In a letter dated 22nd February 2026, MKP’s Second Deputy President, Tony Yengeni, emphasised the importance of cooperation in the formation of a governance structure that would benefit the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
He conveyed the party’s “fraternal greetings” to the leadership of the ANC and extended a formal invitation for the party to join the discussions, which are aimed at creating a more effective governance framework for the province.
Yengeni further stated, “These discussions are ongoing and form part of the efforts to establish a stable, inclusive, and effective governance framework for the province.”
The MKP is looking to include the ANC in the coalition talks, believing that their participation would add significant value to the process. The proposed date for the next engagement is set for March 7, 2026, with the exact time and venue to be confirmed at a later stage.
The MKP’s invitation highlights the party’s commitment to fostering a spirit of cooperation and inclusive political engagement.
Yengeni also stressed the importance of building a government that reflects the diverse political landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. The MKP hopes to bring together various political forces to work for the betterment of the province’s people.
”We trust that your participation will add meaningful value to the process,” said Yengeni.
He expressed optimism that the ANC’s involvement would lead to a productive and constructive engagement, ultimately benefiting the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
The ongoing coalition talks follow the 2024 provincial elections, where no single party emerged with an outright majority.
IOL previously reported that NFP confirmed it would remain outside the KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), despite renewed political engagements in the province. The NFP had announced its withdrawal from the GPU on November 1, 2025, and stated its intention to continue serving on the opposition benches.
After withdrawing from the GPU, the NFP disclosed that it had been approached by several parties, including the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), but no agreements were made.
The party confirmed it had met with the IFP, and while discussions were ongoing, it made it clear that no formal agreements had been reached. ”Our position stands firm, we are content to serve on the opposition bench,” said the NFP in a statement.
Despite its decision to remain in opposition, the NFP revealed that it had held further talks with the MKP and EFF, where they discussed the state of the KZN GPU. These discussions resulted in a joint position to support the second round of a vote of no confidence against KZN Premier, Thami Ntuli.
”A mutual agreement was reached. The MKP, EFF, and NFP have resolved to support the second round of the vote of no confidence,” the NFP said.
