ATM fields four mayoral candidates in eThekwini

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is fielding four mayoral candidates in eThekwini, saying political killings in the metro have made it necessary to spread its leadership options.

The party unveiled candidates for KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in Umgababa, on the South Coast.

ATM says its candidates will focus on fixing basic service delivery, particularly the ongoing water challenges. But it is also pushing a broader political agenda, including a proposal to rename South Africa to Azania.

Party leaders say the decision comes against the backdrop of political killings in the metro.

The party currently has a single seat in eThekwini and has representation in uMzumbe, KwaDukuza and Newcastle. It says its campaign will put service delivery at the centre of its election message. Water remains one of the biggest challenges facing communities across eThekwini.

Beyond LGE

But the party’s ambitions go beyond local government. It says it wants a fundamental change to the country’s political identity, including renaming South Africa.

With the local government elections approaching, the ATM says its mayoral candidates are part of its strategy to expand its footprint in eThekwini and challenge the established political order.