THE bust-up for control of Ward 28 in KwaDukuza has seemingly boiled down to a two-horse race between the ANC and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), ahead of tomorrow's crucial by-elections.

These two political heavyweights are also ready to slug it out for dominance in Ward 12 in Phongolo, north of KwaZulu-Natal, on the same day.

So crucial are the outcomes of the by-elections that the MKP, a smaller yet increasingly vocal opponent, have deployed their party leader, Jacob Zuma, to campaign and sway proceedings their way at the polls.

The MKP has proved to be a tough opponent for the struggling ANC, their political punches, usually sharp and quick, is always aimed at gaps in the ANC’s political armour.

This paid off recently when the party floored the ANC during the recent by-elections in Ward 2 of the Richmond Local Municipality.

Formed in December 2023, the MKP's groundwork has been largely focused on grassroots issues, aiming to prove that they were not just contenders, but serious challengers in the political arena.

The MKP controls three wards in the country, two in KZN and one in the North West, and will be looking to add to its tally on Wednesday.

The ANC are old hands at political brawls, with a track record sating back to 1912, a seasoned champion in South Africa’s political landscape, with a weighty reputation.

But as the years have rolled on, the ANC no longer has the political swagger it once had. It lost its majority nationally and in KZN during the May elections.

For these latest bouts of by-elections, the ANC have assigned their most trusted local leaders, including the provincial convener Jeff Radebe.

The party will field Lucia New Mlondo as its candidate in the KwaDukuza by-election, while the MKP is banking on Vishnugopal Govender to win the prize for them. Govender is a former ANC member, who resigned last year and joined the MKP, rendering the ward vacant.

Mzukisi Mabengu of the IFP and the EFF’s Gibson Sikhosiphi Mbuthu have also thrown their hats in the ring.

The bell will ring on Wednesday morning, and the candidates will step into the ring, each with their supporters lining the ropes, cheering them on.

Early rounds of the ANC campaign were dominated by the large rallies, with the usual promises of job creation, and infrastructure projects.

The latest was this past weekend in Shakaskraal and was addressed by the National Executive Committee (NEC), Senzo Mchunu.

“We have dealt with many issues as the ANC that you are concerned with. We are renewing our party. So, we plead with you to vote for us so that we can continue to change your lives,” said Mchunu.

The MK Party, however, has countered with firm jabs of calling out the rampant corruption and unemployment countrywide.

During an MKP rally on Friday, party leader Zuma said: “We are asking you to vote for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) so that we will be able to change your lives. In the MK Party, we don’t tolerate laziness like other parties. We will work for you.”

Advocates Dali Mpofu and Nathi Nhleko were also part of the campaign.

As the next round of by-elections is about to play out, both the main contenders (the ANC and MKP) are aware that these bouts are forerunners to real-deal, the big prize, next year's Local Government Elections.

In the Ward 12 by-election, the contest will see Bhekinkosi Ndlangamandla (IFP), WelcomeRadebe (ANC), Phakamani Msibi (EFF), Ndumiso Zwane of the National People's Front (NAPF) and Celimpilo Mavuso (MKP), all squaring off for the ward’s top seats.

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