South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has cancelled a major election rally at which it was due to launch its manifesto ahead of next month’s local government elections, saying it will instead focus its efforts on grassroots campaigning and community outreach.
The rally, scheduled for Sunday in Mpumalanga, was expected to serve as the launch platform for the party’s 2026 local government election manifesto, known as the People’s Mandate.
MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the decision was aimed at redirecting resources towards ward-level mobilisation and direct engagement with voters ahead of the November elections.
Instead of a physical launch, the manifesto will be distributed electronically to party structures and members on Thursday, he said.
The cancellation comes as party leader and former South African president Jacob Zuma remains under medical care in hospital, prompting continued public interest in his health ahead of the polls.
Zuma was admitted to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg last week after reportedly falling ill while campaigning for the party in uMsinga, KwaZulu-Natal province. The MK Party initially described the admission as a routine medical check-up.
Speculation over Zuma’s condition intensified as the former president remained under medical care.
JN/APA