MKP Free State members demand transparency over candidate lists

Concerned members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the Free State have called for transparency and for the national leadership to intervene over alleged manipulation of election candidate lists.

Members claim many names that were submitted are not reflected in the lists that appear at the IEC.

Members have called for the removal of the provincial co-ordinator, Sandile Mabiza, whom they accuse of irregularities.

They raised their concerns during a media briefing in Welkom.

Disgruntled MK Party members in the Free State have accused the Political Elections Task Team of manipulating the province’s candidate list and undermining the democratic nomination process.

Matjhabeng PR candidate Vuyisile Bingwa says the districts can no longer remain silent about how the 2026 local government elections have been handled by the provincial team.

Bingwa added that the districts have also called for the removal of the MKP’s provincial elections co-ordinator Sandile Mabiza.

“In Ghariep, Fezile Dabi, wards were left uncontested even though candidates list were sent. In Mangaung, the mayoral candidate emerged out of nowhere. She was not nominated, selected through prescribed processes. As a result, eight members resigned because of the disputes.”

However, the National MKP Political Mediator, Moosa Kumbe, who was invited to the briefing had a different view after listening to the grievances. Kumbe called for calm and unity, urging members to not lose hope.

He highlighted that there are similar challenges across the country that are being investigated.

Kumbe stressed the importance of following proper procedures as the party navigates the critical period ahead of elections.

“MKP is going through a lot nationally. So, the crisis that you see here with the comrades complaining is happening in all the other provinces as well, especially with the ward candidates list. And many candidates are complaining that their lists have either been shuffled or fraud has been made. However, national investigations are underway. We are visiting all the provinces where people are bringing all the evidence or information that they have to make it easy for national to have proper results of the investigation.”

The provincial co-ordinator, Sandile Mabiza has called the accusations raised by the members, unjustified.

“First and foremost, I would believe what our comrades have done is indeed uncalled for, and is unprocedural. But when it comes to the issue of the list, that has nothing to do with our office, or even the provincial coordinator’s office. But it is something that is affecting the entire South Africa. But it is a matter that is being handled by the national official in South Africa, the office of the Secretary General. So, it is not up to me to comment on such because there is a way that MKP is going to deal with it.”

The party has also noted the ANC’s recent victory over the IEC at the Constitutional Court, hoping that it might work in favour of the party where it was affected by the submission of candidates. – Abigail Visagie reports