MK Party Clears Air: No Ramaphosa Exit Demand for Local Coalitions, Says Mpofu

Advocate Dali Mpofu, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s (MKP) coalition negotiator, has firmly rejected reports that the party is demanding the removal of President Cyril Ramaphosa as leader of the African National Congress (ANC) as a precondition for any coalition deals.

Speaking in the wake of last week’s local government elections, Mpofu described the claims as a “misrepresentation” of the MKP’s stance that emerged after the 2024 national and provincial elections. He emphasised that such national leadership questions have no bearing on the current municipal negotiations.

“Ramaphosa will not be the mayor of any town or councillor,” Mpofu noted, underscoring that the president’s position within the ANC is irrelevant to the practical realities of local governance. The focus, he said, must remain on service delivery and functional councils rather than ideological battles over national leadership.

The clarification comes as political parties prepare for complex coalition talks. Preliminary results indicate that more than 130 municipalities failed to produce outright majorities, making power-sharing agreements essential across the country. In key metros such as eThekwini, the MKP emerged as a leading force but still requires partners to govern.

The party has appointed a national negotiations team, which includes Mpofu, to coordinate all discussions under a centralised framework approved by party president Jacob Zuma. Agreements must be formalised in writing, prioritise measurable service-delivery targets, and receive final approval from the party’s presidency.

Mpofu’s remarks signal a pragmatic shift. While the MKP continues to prefer partners aligned with its values, it has opened the door to broader talks without rigid preconditions. The outcome of these negotiations will shape local governance for millions of South Africans in the years ahead.

Source:https://x.com/SABCNews/status/2120057929248170343

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