From the Pulpit to the Polls: Former MK Party SG Sibonelo Nomvalo Reflects on Backing MK Party Pastor Candidate Yongama Nyangiwe
As counting gets underway for the 2026 Local Government Elections, former Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) Secretary General (SG) Sibonelo Nomvalo has shared a deeply personal reflection on recruiting and campaigning for their local ward candidate Yongama Nyangiwe from Umzimkhulu.
The activist revealed that the candidate—previously a local pastor with no background or interest in formal politics—was successfully persuaded to join the MKP ranks in 2024.
According to Nomvalo, the grassroots campaign to secure a victory for the ward officially kicked off in March of this year, requiring months of intense community organising and voter outreach.
Despite facing severe personal challenges in recent months, the Nomvalo expressed immense pride in sticking by the candidate throughout the grueling election trail, culminating in casting a vote for him today.
“The reality that we started working for the victory of the MKP for these elections in March this year came through,” the activist noted, adding that the experience serves as a powerful reminder that “life is not only about you but also about those who care about you.”
As the MKP looks to make major inroads into wards historically held by traditional political parties, grassroots stories of unexpected candidate recruitments highlight the unique community-level dynamics that defined this year’s municipal race.
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