MK party faces funding challenges for elections, analyst suggests unconventional campaign strategy

The MK party appears to be struggling with campaign funding for the upcoming local government elections, with volunteers reporting a lack of resources and former spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela indicating an over-reliance on Independent Electoral Commission IEC funds. Ndhlela suggested the party needs a dedicated fundraiser and should evolve into an "institution" or think tank to attract international donors, rather than solely relying on IEC funding. Political analyst Andre Duvenhage commented that despite financial difficulties, the MK party might adopt an unconventional campaign approach, focusing on grassroots mobilization and capitalizing on existing instability, including tensions between anti-migrant groups and foreign nationals. Duvenhage suggested this strategy could involve intimidation, violence, and confrontation, particularly in areas with Zulu prominence like KwaZulu-Natal. He also noted that the party's initial funding sources in 2023 were unclear, with implications of involvement from Russia and Iran.