MK Party could lose outright majority in KZN municipality after candidate wins two wards

The MK Party risks losing its outright majority in the Johannes Phumani Phungula Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal after one of its candidates was elected in two wards, according to reports.

Andreas Gumede stood as the party's candidate in Wards 12 and 13 and was elected in both. A by-election is expected.

What happened

Gumede won both wards in the local government elections. As a result, the party risks losing its outright majority at the municipality, according to the reports. A by-election is expected in KwaZulu-Natal after the double win.

Why it matters

An outright majority lets a party run a council without a coalition partner. The reports do not give the council's seat numbers, so it is not clear how narrow the MK Party's margin is.

The result comes as parties across the country negotiate coalitions in councils where no party won a majority.

What we do not yet know

• Which of the two seats will be vacated, and when the by-election will be held.
• The council's seat tally and the MK Party's margin.
• The Electoral Commission's confirmation of the result in the two wards.