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MK Party to host National Policy Conference in June ahead of 2026 elections

Hope Ntanzi|Published

The MK Party will host its national policy conference in June, strengthening branches, launching an election manifesto, and mobilising members ahead of the 2026 local government elections and 2029 national polls.

Image: MK Party/ Facebook

The MK Party has announced that it will host its national policy conference in June this year as part of its preparations for the 2026 local government elections, and as a step toward contesting national and provincial government in 2029.

Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo said the conference will provide a clear policy framework to guide public representatives, strengthen ideological unity, and prepare the party for decisive electoral contests.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Nomvalo said the party is focused on building stronger institutional, political, and accountability systems amid rapid growth.

“For a political party that is growing at such a pace, the internal institutional challenges identified are generally to be expected.

''The roadmap we are presenting outlines specific steps and interventions to address these challenges,” he said.

He highlighted that the immediate priority is consolidating organisational discipline, unity, and functionality across all levels.

The party will strengthen legal and dispute resolution mechanisms to address internal grievances and ensure compliance with organisational processes.

Nomvalo said the MK Party will also conduct a nationwide consultative process to engage members across branches, sub-branches, and regions.

“This process will ensure that the voices of our members are heard and that solutions are informed by the lived realities in our branches and communities,” he said.

Centralised coordination will be reinforced through the office of the secretary-general, with clear reporting and accountability systems.

“The MK Party must operate as a united, disciplined, and mission-driven movement, especially as we prepare for the 2026 local government elections,” he added.

The party has established a nationally controlled but operationally devolved election machinery to streamline structures for voter mobilisation and community engagement.

Nomvalo said it will direct the party’s full energy and resources toward electoral campaigns, activate direct voter contact, identify key developmental challenges, and seek guidance from communities to resolve them.

He emphasised that party branches, described as the backbone of the organisation, will be strengthened as centers of people’s power.

“We are rebuilding branches, strengthening political education, cadre development, and ensuring they are active in community strategies, not just during elections,” Nomvalo said.

The MK Party has also established committees to implement its roadmap.

The Policy Formulation Sub-Committee, which will focus on consolidating party policies, is chaired by Lucky Montana, with Deputy Chair Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala.

Other members include  Sally Dlamini, Joe Ndhlela, Dr Thanti Mthanti, Andile Mngxitama, Jabu Khoza, Kwenzokuhle Madlala, and Advocate Dali Mpofu, SC.

The party has also reconfigured its leadership support structures. The National Detachment Committee comprises national officials, conveners and coordinators of the leagues and student movement, provincial chairpersons and secretaries, and one representative from a recognised stakeholder.

Meanwhile, the National Secretariat Forum, which includes the secretary-general, provincial secretaries, and secretaries of the leagues, will oversee day-to-day operations and structural reforms, he said. 

Nomvalo said the policy conference would be followed by the launch of the party’s election manifesto at a national rally led by President Jacob Zuma.

The campaign will culminate with the “Siyathatha” rally on the eve of the elections, he said.

“We call on all members of the MK Party to rally behind the vision of our Commander-General, President Jacob Zuma, and to place the interests of our people above the interests of the party. The task before us is historic, the responsibility is great, but with humility, clarity, and determination, we will rise to the occasion,” Nomvalo said.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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